Which reaction to stress is characterized by increased negativity?

• A. Pain
• B. Negativity
• C. Crying
• D. Depression

Answer: (B)

Under stress, people can show emotional and cognitive changes. Increased negativity refers to a rise in negative thoughts, pessimism, and a more adverse interpretation of situations—a shift toward a more negative mood and outlook. This makes negativity the best description of a stress-related reaction that centers on negative thinking and mood. Pain or crying are emotional or physical responses, but they don’t specifically capture the broader shift to negative thoughts about oneself or the world. Depression is a longer-lasting mood disorder with a broader set of symptoms, not just a reaction to a stressful moment.