What term describes the phenomenon of feeling there are fewer choices due to overwhelming stress?

The phenomenon of feeling there are fewer choices due to overwhelming stress is best described by the term "decision fatigue." Decision fatigue occurs when individuals are faced with numerous decisions over a period of time, leading to a decline in the quality of their choices and an overall sense of overwhelm. When stressed, a person may feel unable to select from available options effectively, which can lead to the perception that their choices are diminished.

"Learned helplessness," while it does refer to a condition where an individual feels powerless to change their situation due to repeated failures, does not specifically address the idea of choices being reduced due to stress. It pertains more to a sense of defeat and lack of agency over one's circumstances.

The other suggested terms, such as "stress-induced paralysis" and "attention deficit stress disorder," do not accurately encapsulate this specific experience. Stress-induced paralysis refers to an inability to act or decide due to extreme anxiety or stress but doesn't inherently involve a feeling of reduced choices. Attention deficit stress disorder is not a recognized term in psychological literature and doesn’t convey the same sense that stress influences decision-making and the perception of available choices.