Which of the following does NOT impair performance in stressful situations?

The re-appraisal strategy does not impair performance in stressful situations because it involves actively changing one’s interpretation of a stressor. This cognitive approach helps individuals manage and regulate their emotions, allowing them to view challenges in a less threatening manner. By reframing the situation positively or seeing it as an opportunity for growth, individuals can maintain better emotional balance and focus on tasks at hand, which enhances overall performance in high-pressure environments.

In contrast, task-focused strategies can lead to a more systematic approach toward managing stressors and improve performance by directing attention and efforts toward completing the relevant tasks. Emotion-focused strategies, although sometimes helpful, often address feelings rather than the actual problem, which can lead to unresolved stress. Avoidance strategies, such as procrastination or withdrawing from the situation, generally hinder performance by not addressing the underlying issues and potentially increasing anxiety about the task.