Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Discrimination refers to the inequitable or (1)________ treatment of individuals or collectives on the basis of attributes such as ethnicity, sex, age and sexual orientation. Studies have indicated that the perception of discrimination can (2)________ a series of stress-induced alterations in an individual's mental, physiological and behavioural responses. The experience of stress is known to elicit unfavourable emotional reactions, including but not limited to(3)________, despair and resentment. Furthermore, anxiety has been linked to a rise in health-compromising behaviours such as smoking, drinking and (4)________ drug use, while simultaneously causing a (5)________ in health-promoting activities such as quality sleep and vigorous exercise.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. trigger.

The word "trigger" is the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.
In the context of the passage, discrimination-induced stress can "trigger" a series of stress-induced alterations in an individual's mental, physiological, and behavioural responses.
Therefore, "trigger" accurately conveys the idea of discrimination leading to subsequent stress-induced changes.

SSC CPO 2023 PYQ — Question 9