Shreya, a class XII student, is facing a lot of stress in her life. Of late her mother observed her becoming too argumentative and making faulty decisions. She is also unable to concentrate in her studies. Identify the effect of stress, she is facing.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Cognitive effect
Option (1) Emotional effect — Incorrect. Emotional effects of stress are mood swings, erratic behaviour, feelings of anxiety and depression and increased psychological tension. Shreya’s signs are about her decisions and her concentration, not her moods.
Option (2) Cognitive effect — Correct. Under continued pressure one may suffer from mental overload and lose the ability to make sound decisions. Faulty decisions at home or at work may lead to arguments, and the cognitive effects of stress are poor concentration and reduced short-term memory capacity. Faulty decisions, arguments and an inability to concentrate are all present in Shreya’s case.
Option (3) Physiological effect — Incorrect. Physiological effects are bodily changes caused by stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol: increased heart rate, slowing of the digestive system, constriction of blood vessels. The case mentions no bodily change.
Option (4) Behavioral effect — Incorrect. Behavioural effects are changes in what a person does: eating less nutritious food, more caffeine or cigarettes, disrupted sleep patterns and increased absenteeism. Shreya’s problems lie in her thinking.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 22-05-2025 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Effects of Stress on Psychological Functioning and Health … Emotional Effects : Those who suffer from stress are far more likely to experience mood swings, and show erratic behaviour that may alienate them from family and friends.…” “…Examples of physiological effects are release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, slowing down of the digestive system, expansion of air passages in the lungs, increased heart rate, and constriction of blood vessels.…” “…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.…” “…Some of the typical behavioural effects of stress seen are disrupted sleep patterns, increased absenteeism, and reduced work performance.” |