Which of the following does stress NOT affect?

Stress can have a profound impact on various aspects of an individual’s life, including interactions, memory, and physical health. The essence of stress is that it triggers a range of psychological and physiological responses, which can influence how a person interacts with others, potentially causing irritability or disengagement in social situations. Memory is also significantly affected by stress; it can impair cognitive functions and hinder one’s ability to concentrate or recall information. Furthermore, stress is known to impact physical health, leading to various issues such as hypertension, weakened immune response, or other stress-related health concerns.

Heightened reflexes, however, are not typically a direct effect of stress. While stress can undoubtedly prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response and increase alertness, it does not enhance reflexes in a way that would be beneficial in a practical sense. In fact, chronic stress may lead to slower reaction times or difficulties in performing tasks that require quick responses. Therefore, heightened reflexes are not a direct consequence of stress, making this choice the correct answer to the question.