Which of the following is true about stress?

• A. Stress can be both positive and negative, depending on the situation.
• B. Stress is experienced only by adults.
• C. Stress is always harmful to physical and mental health.
• D. Stress only occurs in response to negative events.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stress in psychology. Stress is a response to demands or challenges, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological.
2. Step 2: Recognize that stress is not inherently negative. It can be positive (eustress) when it motivates and improves performance, or negative (distress) when it overwhelms and harms well-being.
3. Step 3: Consider the lifespan perspective. Stress is experienced by individuals of all ages, not just adults, as children and adolescents also encounter stressors.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the impact of stress on health. While chronic or excessive stress can be harmful, moderate stress can enhance alertness and coping abilities.
5. Step 5: Understand that stress can arise from both positive and negative events, such as starting a new job (positive) or facing a loss (negative), so it is not limited to negative situations.