Which of the following factors most strongly influences an individual's decision to drink alcohol in the context of stress?

• A. Peer pressure from friends and social groups
• B. Availability of alcohol in one's environment
• C. Genetic predisposition to alcohol dependence
• D. Coping motives, such as using alcohol to manage or reduce feelings of stress

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: it asks which factor most strongly influences an individual's decision to drink alcohol specifically in response to stress.
2. Identify the key psychological concept involved: 'coping motives' refer to using alcohol as a way to manage or reduce negative emotions like stress, which is a direct internal motivation.
3. Compare the options given: peer pressure and availability are external factors, while genetic predisposition relates to biological vulnerability, but none directly address the individual's motivation to cope with stress.
4. Recognize that coping motives are an internal psychological factor that directly links stress to alcohol use, making it the strongest influence in this context.
5. Conclude that understanding the role of coping motives helps explain why some individuals turn to alcohol when stressed, highlighting the importance of internal emotional regulation in decision-making.