Which of the following best describes the difference between eustress and distress?

• A. Eustress occurs only during traumatic events, whereas distress occurs during everyday challenges.
• B. Eustress is a positive form of stress that can motivate and enhance performance, while distress is a negative form of stress that can lead to anxiety and decreased functioning.
• C. Eustress is unrelated to psychological well-being, while distress always improves mental health.
• D. Eustress and distress are both negative forms of stress that always result in harmful health effects.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stress in psychology, which refers to the body's response to demands or challenges, and recognize that stress can have different effects depending on its nature and context.
2. Step 2: Define eustress as a positive form of stress that can motivate individuals, improve focus, and enhance performance, often experienced during exciting or challenging but manageable situations.
3. Step 3: Define distress as a negative form of stress that can cause anxiety, reduce performance, and negatively impact mental and physical health, typically arising from overwhelming or harmful situations.
4. Step 4: Compare the two by noting that eustress contributes to growth and well-being, while distress tends to impair functioning and well-being.
5. Step 5: Use this understanding to evaluate the answer choices, identifying the correct description as the one that highlights eustress as positive and motivating, and distress as negative and harmful.