An upset stomach is a/an ____ reaction to stress.

An upset stomach is a physiological reaction to stress because it involves physical changes and responses in the body. When a person experiences stress, the body's "fight or flight" response is activated, leading to various physiological effects. These can include changes in digestion, where the body may divert blood away from the digestive system, causing discomfort such as an upset stomach.

Understanding that physiological reactions encompass bodily functions helps clarify that stress can manifest in physical symptoms, rather than just emotional responses or cognitive interpretations. While stress can certainly affect emotions and behaviors, the specific nature of an upset stomach directly relates to physiological processes within the body.