Which symptom category of stress includes a change in appetite, procrastination, avoidance of responsibilities, nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing?

• A. Cognitive
• B. Emotional
• C. Behavioral
• D. Physical

Answer: (C)

Behavioral symptoms are the outward actions and patterns a person shows in response to stress. The items listed—procrastination and avoidance of responsibilities, nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing—are all observable behaviors that change under stress. Even though appetite change can be a physical cue, the common thread here is the way stress drives behavior. If the focus were cognitive symptoms, we’d see changes in thinking and concentration; if emotional, mood and feelings like anxiety or irritability; if physical, bodily signs such as headaches or sleep disturbance. So these particular signs fit best under behavioral.