What behavioral change may occur in someone experiencing stress?

Loss of appetite is a common behavioral change that can occur in individuals experiencing stress. When a person is under significant stress, their body activates the stress response, which can lead to physiological changes that diminish the desire to eat. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released during stressful situations, potentially suppressing hunger signals and leading to a decreased interest in food. This response is a part of the body's natural way of focusing energy on managing stressors rather than on digestion.

In contrast, the other options represent responses that are typically not associated with stress. Increased social activity may occur as some individuals seek support, while excessive sleeping can sometimes result from attempts to escape stress. Heightened energy levels might be experienced during periods of acute stress, but they often come with a sense of anxiety rather than comfort. Therefore, loss of appetite directly aligns with the physiological and psychological impacts of stress.