Ace the 2025 Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Exam – Become a Prevention Pro!

The correct answer is focused on the concept of information overload, which occurs when an individual is exposed to more information than they can process at one time. This often leads to confusion and difficulty in retaining key messages, making it challenging for the listener to fully engage with or comprehend what is being communicated. When a listener faces an excess of information, they may become overwhelmed, leading to reduced effectiveness in their ability to understand and respond appropriately.

The other options describe different audience dynamics or engagement issues, but they do not specifically address the overwhelming nature of excessive information, which is central to understanding the problem of information overload in listening scenarios. Therefore, the primary barrier to effective listening in this context is indeed the influx of too much information at once, which can hinder clear communication and understanding.