Final answer:
High levels of social intelligence are not a core feature of the hardy personality. Instead, a willingness to accept challenges, belief in control, and a sense of commitment are the key components that help individuals withstand stress-induced illnesses according to research.option D is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core features of hardiness, which are thought to provide protection from stress-induced illnesses, include a willingness to accept challenges, a belief in control, and a sense of commitment. These aspects of hardiness help individuals cope with stress by fostering a resilient mindset.
Research conducted by Friedman and Booth-Kewley as well as others suggest that personality traits such as depression, anger/hostility, and neuroticism are linked with increased risk for illness. In contrast, having a stronger sense of control over life's stressors and possessing coping abilities are associated with better health outcomes.
However, high levels of social intelligence are not typically considered a core feature of hardiness. Social intelligence is the capacity to understand and navigate social situations and relationships, and although it may indeed contribute to managing and coping with stress, it is not classified as part of the hardy personality as defined in research studies.
Ultimately, it is the combination of viewing challenges as opportunities, believing in one's own ability to influence outcomes, and maintaining commitment to one's activities and beliefs that characterizes hardiness and underpins its stress-buffering effects.