Which of the following effects on the body is least likely to occur when a person gets angry?

• A. Muscle tension
• B. Increase in blood pressure
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Release of stress hormones

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the physiological responses typically associated with anger. Anger usually triggers the body's 'fight or flight' response, activating the sympathetic nervous system.
2. Step 2: Identify common effects of sympathetic activation, which include increased muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
3. Step 3: Recognize that during anger, the heart rate generally increases to pump more blood and oxygen to muscles, preparing the body for action.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given: muscle tension, increase in blood pressure, release of stress hormones, and decrease in heart rate. Consider which one contradicts the typical sympathetic response.
5. Step 5: Conclude that a decrease in heart rate is least likely during anger because it is opposite to the expected increase caused by sympathetic nervous system activation.