Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which of the following is a physiological component of stress management?

1. Social support

2. Exercise

3. Cortisol release

4. Yoga

The correct answer is: Cortisol release

Cortisol release is indeed a physiological component of stress management because it is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Understanding the role of cortisol helps clarify how the body reacts to stressors; cortisol facilitates various bodily functions that manage stress, such as regulating metabolism and immune responses. In chronic stress situations, elevated cortisol levels can indicate prolonged stress exposure, suggesting that managing cortisol through various techniques is key to effective stress management. Other options, while related to stress management, emphasize different aspects. Social support focuses on emotional and psychological resources provided by others, which can positively influence stress but is not a physiological component. Exercise is critically linked to improved psychological health and can reduce stress through neurochemical changes, but it is more of a behavioral strategy than a direct physiological response. Yoga encompasses both physical and mental practices that promote relaxation and stress relief, but it is also considered a behavioral and mental strategy rather than a straightforward physiological phenomenon.