Which of the following is a common cognitive symptom of stress?

• A. Procrastinating
• B. Forgetfulness
• C. Pacing
• D. Nail biting

Answer: (B)

When stress hits, thinking skills like memory and focus can be disrupted. Forgetfulness fits as the cognitive symptom because it reflects lapses in memory or difficulty recalling information, which happen when stress overloads working memory and distracts attention. Stress hormones can affect brain areas involved in memory and concentration, making it harder to retrieve details or stay mentally organized during a shift. The other options show behaviors or physical actions—procrastinating is a coping behavior, pacing and nail biting are arousal-driven habits—that indicate how someone is reacting rather than a cognitive change in memory or thinking.