Which is an effect of short-term exposure to stress?
A.
improved performance
B.
lower overall health
C.
improved resistance to future stressors
A. improved performance
You have an important exam next week and are very worried about it. What should you do to ease the stress?
A.
Study all day and night so you can focus all your energy on the exam.
B.
Engage in other activities besides studying to distract you from the exam.
C.
Spend less time on optional activities and study for a while each day.
C. Spend less time on optional activities and study for a while each day.
The various types of depression have different causes as well as different levels of severity. Which of the following best describes clinical depression?
A.
a feeling of overwhelming sadness that usually follows a traumatic event
B.
a medical condition that may occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain
C.
alternate feelings of extreme happiness and extreme sadness
B. A medical condition that may occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
The correct answer is A. improved performance.
Short-term exposure to stress can actually have a positive impact on performance in some cases. When faced with a stressful situation, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase alertness, focus, and energy levels. This can lead to enhanced cognition and improved performance in tasks that require quick thinking and concentration.
To determine the effect of short-term exposure to stress, studies and research have been conducted to measure people's performance under different stress levels. These studies typically involve exposing individuals to controlled stressors, such as time pressure or cognitive challenges, and then evaluating their performance in cognitive tasks or physical activities.
Researchers often compare performance metrics before and after exposure to stress, as well as compare performance under stress to performance under normal or no-stress conditions. By analyzing the data, researchers can draw conclusions about the impact of short-term stress on performance.
It is important to note that while short-term exposure to stress can have some positive effects on performance, prolonged exposure to stress or chronic stress can be detrimental to overall health and can lead to negative long-term consequences. This is why finding a healthy balance and managing stress levels appropriately is crucial for maintaining well-being.