Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Under slight stress, what typically happens to the performance of individuals and social work groups?

1. Performance deteriorates

2. Performance remains unchanged

3. Performance is expected to improve

4. Performance becomes erratic

The correct answer is: Performance is expected to improve

When individuals and social work groups experience slight stress, performance is often expected to improve due to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which posits that there is an optimal level of arousal (or stress) that can enhance performance. Under slight stress, this optimal level stimulates motivation, focus, and energy, enabling individuals and groups to perform tasks more effectively. This phenomenon can be attributed to the way slight stress acts as a form of challenge that can trigger better concentration and a sense of urgency. It can also foster a degree of competitiveness, prompting individuals to enhance their performance to meet the demands of the situation. Moreover, in the context of social work, where professionals often engage in emotionally charged and challenging situations, the presence of slight stress can lead to increased problem-solving abilities and improved teamwork, reinforcing the overall effectiveness of the group. In contrast, significant levels of stress can lead to performance deterioration, as individuals may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope. Performance can also remain unchanged if stress levels are too low or if individuals do not perceive the tasks as challenging. Finally, performance becoming erratic is typically associated with high levels of stress, where anxiety and pressure may lead to inconsistent outputs. Therefore, the expectation of performance improvement under slight stress aligns with established