PsychologyMeeting Life Challenges

Some effects of stress take the form of eating less nutritional food,…

Some effects of stress take the form of eating less nutritional food, increasing intake of stimulants such as caffeine, and excessive consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs such as tranquillisers. Which effects of stress are these?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Behavioural effects

Option	Reason
Option (1): Cognitive effects. Incorrect.	Cognitive effects are effects on thinking. Continued pressure causes mental overload, poor concentration and reduced short-term memory capacity.
Option (2): Emotional effects. Incorrect.	Emotional effects are changes in feelings. A person under stress has mood swings, anxiety, depression and more mental tension.
Option (3): Behavioural effects. Correct.	Eating habits, stimulants, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are all about what a person does. Such changes in actions are the behavioural effects of stress.
Option (4): Physiological effects. Incorrect.	Physiological effects are changes in the body. Stress hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine raise the heart beat and slow down digestion.

NCERT (2026-27): “EFFECTS OF STRESS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING AND HEALTH …
Behavioural Effects : Stress affects our behaviour in the form of eating less nutritional food, increasing intake of stimulants such as caffeine, excessive consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs such as tranquillisers etc. Tranquillisers can be addictive and have side effects such as loss of concentration, poor coordination, and dizziness. Some of the typical behavioural effects of stress seen are disrupted sleep patterns, increased absenteeism, and reduced work performance.”

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Behavioural effects

Option	Reason
Option (1): Cognitive effects. Incorrect.	Cognitive effects are effects on thinking. Continued pressure causes mental overload, poor concentration and reduced short-term memory capacity.
Option (2): Emotional effects. Incorrect.	Emotional effects are changes in feelings. A person under stress has mood swings, anxiety, depression and more mental tension.
Option (3): Behavioural effects. Correct.	Eating habits, stimulants, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are all about what a person does. Such changes in actions are the behavioural effects of stress.
Option (4): Physiological effects. Incorrect.	Physiological effects are changes in the body. Stress hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine raise the heart beat and slow down digestion.