According to research on stress responses, women are more likely than men to respond to stress by engaging in which of the following behaviors?

• A. Seeking social support
• B. Isolating themselves from others
• C. Engaging in aggressive behavior
• D. Suppressing emotions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of stress responses and how they can differ between genders based on psychological research.
2. Recall the 'tend-and-befriend' theory, which suggests that women are more likely to respond to stress by seeking social connections and support, rather than by aggressive or isolating behaviors.
3. Compare the options given: 'Seeking social support', 'Isolating themselves from others', 'Engaging in aggressive behavior', and 'Suppressing emotions' in light of this theory.
4. Recognize that 'Seeking social support' aligns with the 'tend-and-befriend' response, which is supported by research indicating women often cope with stress by reaching out to others.
5. Conclude that the behavior women are more likely to engage in when stressed is 'Seeking social support', based on psychological evidence.