Cognitive reactions to stress include which of the following?

Cognitive reactions to stress primarily involve how individuals process information and respond mentally to stressful situations. Heightened alertness is indeed a cognitive reaction to stress, as it represents an increased awareness of one’s environment. When a person experiences stress, the body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to a heightened state of awareness and readiness to respond to potential threats. This increased alertness can enhance focus and improve the ability to react quickly to challenges.

In contrast, increased social interaction is often associated with emotional coping strategies rather than cognitive responses. Relaxed thinking implies a calm state of mind, which is generally not a reaction to stress. Thought blocking, characterized by an inability to think clearly or effectively, is a negative cognitive reaction that can hinder decision-making under pressure. Therefore, heightened alertness is the accurate response in the context of cognitive reactions to stress, as it describes an appropriate and enhanced state of cognitive function that can occur in stressful situations.