WGU Health-Fitness-and-Wellness - WGU Health, Fitness, and Wellness (HIO1)

Executive functionbest matches the description of critical thinking and responsible decision-making. Executive function refers to mental skills that help a person plan, focus attention, remember instructions, manage impulses, and weigh consequences before acting. These abilities support “thinking before doing,” which is central to making responsible, thoughtful choices in academics, relationships, and health behaviors.

Critical thinking is part of executive function because it involves analyzing information, evaluating options, anticipating outcomes, and selecting the most appropriate response. Responsible decision-making requires considering safety, ethics, long-term consequences, and the impact on others—processes strongly connected to executive functioning skills like impulse control, planning, and flexible thinking.

The other options are related SEL areas but do not best fit the prompt. Communication and leadership involve expressing ideas clearly, listening, persuading, and guiding others—important, but not the core of critical thinking itself. Social awareness focuses on empathy, understanding social cues, and appreciating others’ perspectives—also crucial, but not primarily about analyzing options and consequences. Self-management involves regulating emotions and behaviors, managing stress, and staying motivated; it supports decision-making but is more about controlling reactions than the thinking process described.

In practical wellness terms, executive function helps someone pause before reacting in conflict, choose healthier coping strategies under stress, resist risky behaviors, and follow through on goals. Strengthening executive function can involve planning routines, breaking tasks into steps, using reminders, practicing mindful pauses, and reflecting on outcomes after decisions.

This scenario is a strong example ofsocial awareness (C). Social awareness involves recognizing and respecting the needs, values, and lived experiences of others, including cultural and religious practices. By scheduling a team dinnerafter sunsetto support team members who are fasting during daylight hours, the organizer demonstrates empathy, inclusivity, and consideration of others’ circumstances. This helps everyone feel respected and included, which supports a healthier team environment and stronger relationships.

Social awareness is more than simply knowing that people are fasting—it includes acting on that understanding in a practical way. Adjusting the schedule shows perspective-taking: “How will this plan affect others, and how can we make it accessible?” This is an important SEL skill for reducing unintentional exclusion and building trust within groups. Inclusive planning can improve morale, cooperation, and psychological safety, leading to better communication and teamwork.

The other competencies are not as direct.Self-managementrelates to controlling one’s own emotions and behaviors; it doesn’t focus on others’ needs.Self-awarenessrefers to understanding one’s own feelings, beliefs, and triggers.Communication and leadershipmay be involved in organizing an event, but the key element highlighted here is awareness of and respect for others’ needs—social awareness.

From a wellness perspective, inclusive practices also reduce stress for fasting individuals by removing social pressure to eat or attend during difficult times. It communicates belonging and respect, both of which positively influence emotional well-being and group cohesion.