Symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional or behavioural. Which o…

Symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional or behavioural. Which of the following signs of stress is a physical symptom?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Stomach upset, headache and backache

Option (1) Extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts — Incorrect. Mood swings and emotional outbursts are emotional signs of stress. They show in a person's feelings and how they are expressed.

Option (2) Irregular attendance and timekeeping — Incorrect. Irregular attendance and timekeeping is a behavioural sign of stress. It shows in what the person does, such as missing classes or coming late.

Option (3) Poor decision-making and lack of concentration — Incorrect. Poor decision-making and lack of concentration are signs in a person's thinking. They affect how the mind works.

Option (4) Stomach upset, headache and backache — Correct. Stomach upset, headache and backache are forms of physical illness, so they are physical signs of stress. Here the stress shows up in the body itself.

NCERT (2026-27): “Signs and Symptoms of Stress
The way we respond to stress varies depending upon our personality, early upbringing and life experiences. Everyone has their own pattern of stress response. So the warning signs may vary, as may their intensity. Some of us know our pattern of stress response and can gauge the depth of the problem by the nature and severity of our own symptoms or changes in behaviour. These symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional and behavioural. …”

“Read the following signs of stress :”

“Lack of concentration, Memory loss, Poor decision-making, Inconsistency, Irregular attendance and timekeeping, Low self-esteem, Poor long-term planning, Frantic bursts of energy, Extreme mood swings, Emotional outbursts, Worry, Anxiety, Fear, Depression, Difficulties with sleep, Difficulties with eating, Misuse of drugs, Physical illness, e.g. stomach upset, headache, backache, etc. …”