Poor physical health, especially when it is a chronic condition, is a risk factor for which of the following?

• A. Increased psychological stress
• B. Lower risk of mental health disorders
• C. Decreased vulnerability to stress
• D. Improved emotional resilience

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the relationship between physical health and psychological factors. Chronic physical health conditions often impact mental well-being due to ongoing stress and challenges associated with managing the illness.
2. Step 2: Recognize that poor physical health, especially chronic conditions, tends to increase psychological stress rather than decrease it. This is because chronic illness can create continuous demands on a person's coping resources.
3. Step 3: Consider the options given: 'Increased psychological stress', 'Lower risk of mental health disorders', 'Decreased vulnerability to stress', and 'Improved emotional resilience'. Reflect on which outcomes are typically associated with chronic physical health problems.
4. Step 4: Recall psychological research findings that link chronic physical illness with higher levels of stress and greater risk for mental health issues, rather than protective effects like improved resilience or lower risk.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate answer is 'Increased psychological stress' because chronic poor physical health generally elevates stress levels and vulnerability to mental health challenges.