Which of the following statements about behavior and behavior change in the context of stress is true?

• A. Behavior change due to stress is always negative and never leads to positive outcomes.
• B. Stress only affects physiological responses and does not influence behavior.
• C. Behavior change in response to stress can include both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies.
• D. Behavior always remains constant regardless of stress levels.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of behavior change in the context of stress. Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an individual, often in response to external or internal stimuli, such as stress.
2. Step 2: Recognize that stress can influence behavior in multiple ways, not just physiologically but also psychologically, leading to changes in how a person acts or copes.
3. Step 3: Identify that behavior changes due to stress are not exclusively negative; they can be adaptive (helpful) or maladaptive (harmful), depending on how the individual manages the stress.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each statement by comparing it to psychological research and theory on stress and coping, noting that behavior is dynamic and can vary with stress levels.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is the one acknowledging that behavior change in response to stress can include both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies, reflecting the complexity of human responses to stress.