Which of the following best explains why anxiety can sometimes be a necessary and healthy feeling?

• A. Anxiety can serve as a warning system that helps individuals recognize and respond to potential threats or challenges, promoting adaptive behaviors.
• B. Anxiety is only experienced by people with psychological disorders and has no functional purpose.
• C. Anxiety prevents people from taking any action in stressful situations.
• D. Anxiety always leads to negative health outcomes and should be completely avoided.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of anxiety from a psychological perspective. Anxiety is an emotional response to perceived threats or challenges, which can trigger physiological and behavioral changes.
2. Step 2: Recognize that anxiety is not inherently negative; it can serve an adaptive function by alerting individuals to potential dangers, thereby preparing them to respond appropriately.
3. Step 3: Consider the concept of the 'fight or flight' response, where anxiety activates the nervous system to increase alertness and readiness for action, which is crucial for survival.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options by noting that anxiety is not exclusive to psychological disorders, does not always prevent action, and does not always lead to negative health outcomes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that anxiety's function as a warning system that promotes adaptive behaviors best explains why it can be necessary and healthy.