How does stress impact group performance?

Stress can significantly impact group performance, particularly by impairing communication and decision-making processes. When individuals experience high levels of stress, their ability to clearly express thoughts, listen actively, and collaborate effectively with others can diminish. This can lead to misunderstandings, a decrease in the quality of discussions, and potential conflicts within the group.

Moreover, decision-making can be adversely affected as stress may lead to rushed, impulsive, or less rational choices, resulting in outcomes that are not well thought out or beneficial for the group. High-stress environments often inhibit creativity and the ability to consider diverse viewpoints, which are essential for effective problem-solving and innovation within a group setting. Thus, the correct answer highlights how stress can disrupt the dynamics of group performance, leading to outcomes that are often less effective and cohesive.

The other options suggest that stress leads to improved communication, creates stronger cohesion, or has no effect at all, which does not align with research and observations on stress's actual effects in group dynamics.