Which of the following best describes the relationship between loss and stress in psychological terms?

• A. There is no established connection between experiencing loss and the development of stress.
• B. Experiencing a significant loss is considered a major life stressor that can trigger psychological and physiological stress responses.
• C. Loss only causes stress if it is related to financial matters.
• D. Loss typically reduces stress by allowing individuals to focus on new opportunities.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'loss' in psychology, which often refers to the experience of losing something or someone significant, such as a loved one, a job, or a valued relationship.
2. Step 2: Recognize that in psychological terms, loss is considered a major life event that can act as a stressor, meaning it can trigger stress responses both psychologically (e.g., feelings of sadness, anxiety) and physiologically (e.g., increased heart rate, hormonal changes).
3. Step 3: Recall that stress is the body's response to demands or challenges, and major life stressors like loss are well-documented to increase the likelihood of experiencing stress.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given options by comparing them to established psychological theories and research, which show that loss is indeed linked to stress, rather than having no connection or only causing stress in specific contexts like financial loss.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is that experiencing a significant loss is a major life stressor capable of triggering psychological and physiological stress responses.