Each of the following sentences contains one blank. Choose the word that best fits the context of the sentence.  While modern luxuries enhance comfort, psychologists caution that excessive reliance on them may ______ people from developing resilience during difficult situations.

The sentence states that too much dependence on luxuries can stop or hinder people from developing resilience. Option Analysis A. Encourage – to motivate or support something. This contradicts the warning given in the sentence. B. Distract – to divert attention. This does not convey the idea of stopping development completely. C. Inspire – to stimulate positive action. This is opposite to the meaning. D. Prevent – to stop something from happening. This matches the intended meaning perfectly. E. Reward – to give recognition or benefit. This does not fit the context.