Which of the following best describes a risk factor in the context of stress psychology?

• A. A treatment used to cure psychological disorders.
• B. A protective factor that prevents illness.
• C. A coping mechanism that reduces stress.
• D. Anything that increases the likelihood of injury or disease.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of a 'risk factor' in stress psychology. A risk factor is any characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the probability of developing a psychological or physical health problem.
2. Step 2: Differentiate risk factors from protective factors. Protective factors are conditions or attributes that help prevent or reduce the impact of stress and illness, whereas risk factors increase vulnerability.
3. Step 3: Recognize that coping mechanisms are strategies individuals use to manage stress, which can either mitigate or sometimes exacerbate stress, but they are not risk factors themselves.
4. Step 4: Analyze the given options by comparing them to the definition of a risk factor. The correct description should align with something that increases the likelihood of injury or disease.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of a risk factor in this context is 'Anything that increases the likelihood of injury or disease,' as it directly reflects the increased vulnerability associated with risk factors.