Which of the following is commonly linked to short-term inappropriate stress management?

• A. Long-term development of chronic diseases
• B. Improved immune system function
• C. Increased irritability and mood swings
• D. Enhanced problem-solving abilities

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stress management and its time frames. Short-term stress management refers to how individuals cope with stress in the immediate or near term, while long-term stress management involves sustained strategies over time.
2. Step 2: Recognize common psychological and physiological effects of poor short-term stress management. These often include emotional responses such as increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between short-term and long-term consequences. For example, long-term inappropriate stress management is more commonly linked to chronic diseases, whereas short-term effects are more about immediate emotional and behavioral changes.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each option in the problem: 'Long-term development of chronic diseases' relates to long-term stress effects, 'Improved immune system function' and 'Enhanced problem-solving abilities' are generally positive outcomes and unlikely to be linked to inappropriate stress management, while 'Increased irritability and mood swings' aligns with short-term negative emotional responses.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the option 'Increased irritability and mood swings' is the most appropriate answer because it directly reflects common short-term consequences of poor stress management.