In the context of stress, the phrase "behavioral expressions of distress" refers to which of the following?

• A. Physiological changes like increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure in response to stress
• B. The use of cognitive strategies such as problem-solving to manage stress
• C. Observable actions such as withdrawal, aggression, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns that indicate an individual is experiencing stress
• D. Internal thoughts and worries that a person experiences during stressful situations

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'behavioral expressions of distress' by breaking it down into its components: 'behavioral' refers to observable actions, and 'expressions of distress' refers to signs that indicate someone is experiencing stress.
2. Step 2: Differentiate between physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses to stress. Physiological responses involve bodily changes like heart rate, cognitive responses involve thoughts and problem-solving, while behavioral responses involve visible actions.
3. Step 3: Identify examples of behavioral expressions of distress, such as withdrawal from social interactions, aggression, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns, which are observable and indicate stress.
4. Step 4: Recognize that physiological changes (like increased heart rate) and internal thoughts (like worries) are not behavioral expressions but belong to other categories of stress responses.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct understanding of 'behavioral expressions of distress' is the observable actions that signal stress, distinguishing them clearly from physiological and cognitive responses.