Motivation and Coping Mechanisms

In the field of psychology, motivation is understood to comprise various theories that explain what drives individuals to act in a certain way. Among these theories, the concept of drive reduction theory posits that human behavior is motivated by biological needs. According to this theory, when a physiological need is unmet, it creates a state of tension or drive that individuals seek to reduce. For instance, hunger motivates a person to eat. However, not all behaviors can be adequately explained by drive reduction; other factors such as cognitive processes and emotional states may also play a role. In light of this understanding, consider the following scenario:

A student, Alex, has been experiencing stress due to upcoming exams. To cope with this stress, Alex decides to play video games for several hours each day instead of studying. Based on motivational concepts, which reason best explains Alex's choice to engage in this behavior?