Which of the following is a common cognitive symptom of stress that can affect academic performance?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Inability to focus
• D. Muscle tension

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question is asking about cognitive symptoms of stress, specifically those that impact academic performance.
2. Step 2: Recall that cognitive symptoms relate to mental processes such as thinking, memory, attention, and concentration.
3. Step 3: Review each option and categorize it as cognitive or non-cognitive: Increased appetite (physical), Frequent headaches (physical), Inability to focus (cognitive), Muscle tension (physical).
4. Step 4: Identify that 'Inability to focus' directly affects mental processes critical for learning and academic tasks, making it a common cognitive symptom of stress.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, 'Inability to focus' is the correct answer because it represents a cognitive symptom that can impair academic performance.