Which of the following best describes what research has shown about the continual stress of daily hassles?

• A. It only affects individuals with pre-existing psychological disorders.
• B. It is generally less harmful than major life events and rarely affects well-being.
• C. It typically leads to positive adaptation and improved stress resilience in most people.
• D. It can have a significant negative impact on physical and mental health over time.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of daily hassles: These are the minor irritations and annoyances that occur regularly in everyday life, such as traffic jams, misplacing items, or minor disagreements.
2. Recognize the difference between daily hassles and major life events: Major life events are significant changes like losing a job or a loved one, while daily hassles are smaller but more frequent stressors.
3. Review research findings on the impact of daily hassles: Studies have shown that although each hassle may seem minor, their cumulative effect can lead to increased stress levels.
4. Consider the long-term effects: Chronic exposure to daily hassles can contribute to both physical health problems (like headaches or high blood pressure) and mental health issues (such as anxiety or depression).
5. Conclude that continual stress from daily hassles can significantly harm well-being over time, regardless of whether an individual has pre-existing psychological disorders.