Carol and Jess,both senior management majors,have been studying together for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) .The test is tomorrow and the results may determine whether or not they are admitted to a top quality MBA program.The following exchange occurs.Jess says,"I am not worried about this test.We have done our preparation work and I am sure we will do fine." Carol responds,"I don't see how you can be so relaxed.I am a nervous wreck.This is it--the real thing.I'm afraid I might blow it.I can hardly concentrate....my throat is so dry....and my hands are trembling." The different responses to this stressor on the part of Carol and Jess are probably the result of:

A) individual differences
B) differences in social support
C) mental ability
D) reinforcement

Question

ceecee smith · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Different individuals have different coping mechanisms and ways of dealing with stress. In this case, Jess seems to be confident and relaxed while Carol is anxious and nervous. It could be due to their individual differences in personality, past experiences, or coping strategies. Social support, mental ability, and reinforcement may also play a role, but individual differences would likely be the primary factor influencing their different responses to the stress of taking the test.

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