How does stress affect cognitive function?

Stress has a significant impact on cognitive function, particularly in the areas of attention and memory. When an individual is under stress, the body undergoes physiological changes, such as the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can alter cognitive processes by limiting the ability to focus and pay attention effectively.

Under high levels of stress, the brain may prioritize immediate survival responses over higher-order cognitive functions, leading to a reduction in working memory capacity. This can manifest as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a general decline in the ability to process information or recall memories. The cognitive resources become strained, which can negatively affect decision-making capabilities and problem-solving skills.

In contrast to the other options, which suggest benefits to cognitive processes under stress, research supports the idea that while mild stress might enhance certain types of performance, chronic or acute high-level stress typically leads to cognitive impairments, particularly in tasks that require sustained attention and the retrieval of information from memory.