Which of the following best explains why a person is more likely to get sick while experiencing poor emotional health?

• A. Poor emotional health causes the body to become immune to most diseases.
• B. Poor emotional health has no effect on physical health or illness risk.
• C. Poor emotional health can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness.
• D. Poor emotional health increases the body's production of vitamins, which leads to illness.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between emotional health and physical health, particularly focusing on how stress and negative emotions can impact the body's biological systems.
2. Recognize that poor emotional health, such as chronic stress or depression, can lead to physiological changes that affect the immune system's functioning.
3. Learn that the immune system is responsible for defending the body against infections and illnesses, and when it is weakened, the body becomes more vulnerable to pathogens.
4. Identify that poor emotional health can increase the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which in high levels can suppress immune responses.
5. Conclude that because poor emotional health weakens the immune system, it makes a person more susceptible to getting sick, which explains the correct answer choice.