Which of the following best illustrates the adaptive value of emotion?

• A. Anger prevents people from taking any action in response to threats.
• B. Sadness always leads to social isolation and decreased well-being.
• C. Happiness causes individuals to ignore important environmental cues.
• D. Fear motivates individuals to avoid dangerous situations, increasing chances of survival.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the adaptive value of emotion, which refers to how emotions have evolved to help individuals survive and function effectively in their environment.
2. Analyze each option by considering whether the emotion described helps an individual respond beneficially to their environment or challenges.
3. Evaluate the first option: Anger preventing action is generally maladaptive because it stops response to threats, so it does not illustrate adaptive value.
4. Evaluate the second and third options: Sadness leading to social isolation and happiness causing ignoring cues are both examples of potentially maladaptive outcomes, not adaptive ones.
5. Focus on the fourth option: Fear motivating avoidance of danger clearly shows how an emotion can increase survival chances, which is a key example of adaptive value.