Final answer:
Use of sedative drugs is the least effective stress management strategy, as it can lead to dependence and doesn't address root causes, unlike exercise or mental imagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the strategies for dealing with stress, the least effective in managing stress would be b. Use of sedative drugs. While exercise, mental imagery, and decreasing work hours can be positive and natural ways to manage stress, the use of sedative drugs is generally considered a temporary and potentially risky approach.
Sedatives can be habit-forming and may lead to dependence or mask underlying issues rather than addressing the root causes of stress. Moreover, they often come with side effects and do not contribute to long-term stress management skills. Instead, focusing on strategies such as exercise, which has demonstrated benefits in reducing stress and improving mental health, or mental imagery, which can provide relaxation without pharmacological risks, would be more effective for stress management.