A student who is under the influence of alcohol will likely be:

• A. unaffected in their ability to handle stress
• B. more alert and better able to manage stress
• C. less able to cope effectively with stress
• D. more likely to use healthy coping strategies

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the effects of alcohol on cognitive and emotional functioning. Alcohol is a depressant that impairs brain function, including areas responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and stress management.
2. Step 2: Recognize that alcohol typically reduces a person's ability to process stress effectively, leading to poorer coping mechanisms rather than improved alertness or stress handling.
3. Step 3: Consider psychological research findings that show alcohol consumption often leads to increased stress sensitivity and less effective coping strategies, such as avoidance or denial.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the known effects of alcohol on stress response. The option stating 'less able to cope effectively with stress' aligns with established psychological evidence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer reflects the negative impact of alcohol on stress management, confirming that a student under the influence is less able to cope effectively with stress.