Which of the following is considered a proximate cause of stress?

• A. Experiencing a sudden job loss
• B. Long-term socioeconomic status
• C. Cultural attitudes toward mental health
• D. Genetic predisposition to anxiety

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'proximate cause' in psychology. A proximate cause refers to an immediate, direct factor that triggers a psychological or physiological response, such as stress.
2. Step 2: Identify the options given and categorize them as either proximate or distal causes. Proximate causes are immediate events or experiences, while distal causes are more long-term or underlying factors.
3. Step 3: Analyze 'Experiencing a sudden job loss' as an immediate event that can directly trigger stress, making it a proximate cause.
4. Step 4: Consider 'Long-term socioeconomic status,' 'Cultural attitudes toward mental health,' and 'Genetic predisposition to anxiety' as distal causes because they influence stress indirectly over time rather than causing immediate stress.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the proximate cause of stress among the options is the immediate experience, which is 'Experiencing a sudden job loss.'