In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, which of the following variables is NOT typically correlated with reduced deterioration of cognition?

• A. Increased chronic stress
• B. Higher levels of physical exercise
• C. Higher educational attainment
• D. Greater social engagement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key concept of cognitive deterioration, which refers to the decline in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, often associated with aging or psychological disorders.
2. Step 2: Recognize that certain variables are known to be protective factors against cognitive decline. These include higher levels of physical exercise, higher educational attainment, and greater social engagement, all of which have been shown to correlate with better cognitive health.
3. Step 3: Analyze the role of chronic stress. Chronic stress is generally linked to negative effects on brain function, including increased cognitive deterioration, due to its impact on brain structures like the hippocampus and its influence on neurochemical balance.
4. Step 4: Compare the variables given: increased chronic stress versus the others (physical exercise, education, social engagement). Identify that increased chronic stress is the variable that does NOT correlate with reduced cognitive deterioration, but rather the opposite.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, increased chronic stress is the variable that is not associated with reduced cognitive decline, making it the correct answer to the question.