Identify the type of effects of stress reflected in this narration: "An employee working in a particular company is highly burdened with work, which is affecting his decision-making and concentration".
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Cognitive
The employee’s heavy workload is affecting his decision-making and concentration, both of which are mental processes.
Option (1) Behavioural — Incorrect. Behavioural effects show in what a person does: eating less nutritious food, taking more stimulants such as caffeine, smoking or drinking more, disrupted sleep and absenteeism. The narration speaks of thinking, not of actions.
Option (2) Physiological — Incorrect. Physiological effects are bodily changes: stress raises hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which change heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism. Nothing about the body is mentioned.
Option (3) Cognitive — Correct. When pressures continue, a person may suffer mental overload and lose the ability to make sound decisions. The cognitive effects of stress are poor concentration and reduced short-term memory capacity, the very two problems in the narration.
Option (4) Emotional — Incorrect. Emotional effects are changes in feeling: mood swings, anxiety, depression and increased tension. The narration is about decisions and concentration, not mood.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 22-06-2023 (Slot 3).
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. In some cases this can start a vicious circle of decreasing confidence, leading to more serious emotional problems. Some examples are feelings of anxiety and depression, increased physical tension, increased psychological tension and mood swings.…” “…Physiological Effects : When the human body is placed under physical or psychological stress, it increases the production of certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.…” “…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.…” |