North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which of the following is a psychological response to stress?

1. Heightened alertness

2. Fatigue

3. Weight loss

4. Headaches

The correct answer is: Heightened alertness

Heightened alertness is a psychological response to stress because it refers to the body's acute reaction to a perceived threat or challenge. This response is often described in the context of the 'fight or flight' response, where the brain detects stress and signals the body to become more vigilant and prepared for action. When an individual experiences stress, their level of arousal increases, making them more aware of their surroundings and prompting a quicker response to potential dangers. While fatigue, weight loss, and headaches can be associated with the effects of stress, they do not represent immediate psychological responses. Fatigue is more of a physical manifestation that may result from prolonged stress, while weight loss can occur due to various factors including changes in appetite or metabolism often influenced by chronic stress. Similarly, headaches can result from tension or other physiological reactions to stress, but they do not fundamentally represent a psychological response. In contrast, heightened alertness is directly tied to the cognitive process of responding to stress and adapting to challenges in the environment.