Consider the following statements about the cognitive effects of stress:
(A) If pressures due to stress continue, one may suffer from mental overload.
(B) A high level of stress can rapidly cause individuals to lose their ability to make sound decisions.
(C) Cognitive effects of stress include poor concentration and increased short-term memory capacity.
(D) Slowing down of the digestive system is a cognitive effect of stress.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Only two
(A) If pressures due to stress continue, one may suffer from mental overload. — Correct. When stress pressures go on, the mind gets overloaded. Mental overload is the first cognitive effect of stress.
(B) A high level of stress can rapidly cause individuals to lose their ability to make sound decisions. — Correct. A high level of stress quickly weakens the ability to make sound decisions. Faulty decisions at home or at work can then lead to arguments, failure or even loss of job.
(C) Cognitive effects of stress include poor concentration and increased short-term memory capacity. — Incorrect. Poor concentration is right, but the memory part is reversed. Stress reduces short-term memory capacity; it does not increase it.
(D) Slowing down of the digestive system is a cognitive effect of stress. — Incorrect. Slowing down of the digestive system is a physiological effect of stress, like increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels. Cognitive effects concern thinking: concentration, memory and decisions.
NCERT (2026-27): “EFFECTS OF STRESS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING AND HEALTH … “Cognitive Effects : If pressures due to stress continue, one may suffer from mental overload. This suffering from high level of stress can rapidly cause individuals to lose their ability to make sound decisions. Faulty decisions made at home, in career, or at workplace may lead to arguments, failure, financial loss or even loss of job. Cognitive effects of stress are poor concentration, and reduced short-term memory capacity.” |