Since people cannot usually change stressors, they should aim to change their response instead. Which of the following best completes the sentence: since people cannot usually change stress __________, they should aim to change ___________ instead?

• A. symptoms; their workload
• B. coping; their stressors
• C. levels; their environment
• D. sources; their reaction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms in the sentence. 'Stressors' refer to the sources or causes of stress, while 'response' refers to how a person reacts or copes with stress.
2. Step 2: Analyze the sentence structure: 'Since people cannot usually change stress __________, they should aim to change ___________ instead.' The first blank should logically be something that people cannot easily change, and the second blank should be something they can control.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by substituting the words into the blanks and checking if the sentence makes sense both logically and psychologically.
4. Step 4: Recognize that 'stress sources' (or 'stressors') are often external and difficult to change, whereas 'reaction' or 'response' to stress is internal and can be managed or modified.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best completion is: 'Since people cannot usually change stress sources, they should aim to change their reaction instead,' because this aligns with psychological strategies focusing on coping mechanisms rather than altering external stressors.