Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: A Guide to Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping

Examine Sapolsky’s use of humor. What impact do instances of humor have on the text? What other techniques does Sapolsky use to make his specialized subject more accessible to a popular reading audience?

The intended audience for Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers are lay-readers. Why does Sapolsky address the general public rather than the science community? How do books such as Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers promote science literacy? How does Sapolsky’s work compare to that of other popular science writers?

Address the concept of bias within the text. What instances of scientific bias does Sapolsky identify? Does Sapolsky demonstrate any explicit or implicit biases in his writing? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

What aspects of modern society does Sapolsky criticize? How do external structures and systems interact with individualized factors in the experience and perpetuation of modern chronic stress?

Discuss how predictability and control impact stress. Do they increase or decrease stress? How can one implement predictability and control into their stress management mechanisms?

Why does Sapolsky target and criticize Bernie S. Siegel? How does Sapolsky’s approach to the relationship between mindset and stress differ from Siegel’s? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Examine the link between agriculture and modern stress. Do you agree with Sapolsky that the agricultural revolution led to modern stress? What other factors, if any, do you think Sapolsky’s analysis may have overlooked?

Analyze the theme Strategies for Stress Management and Prevention. What are common barriers to stress management? Is stress management and prevention able to prevent stress-related disease? Why or why not?