Which of the following statements relating to stress is false?

• A. The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to perceived threats.
• B. Acute stress can sometimes enhance performance in challenging situations.
• C. Stress is always harmful and never has any positive effects.
• D. Chronic stress can negatively impact physical health over time.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stress in psychology, which refers to the body's response to any demand or challenge, involving both physiological and psychological components.
2. Step 2: Review the fight-or-flight response, which is a well-established physiological reaction to perceived threats, preparing the body to either confront or escape danger.
3. Step 3: Recognize that acute stress, which is short-term stress, can sometimes improve performance by increasing alertness and focus in challenging situations.
4. Step 4: Acknowledge that chronic stress, which is long-term stress, can have detrimental effects on physical health, such as weakening the immune system or increasing risk of illness.
5. Step 5: Identify the false statement by noting that stress is not always harmful; it can have positive effects such as motivating action and enhancing performance, so the statement 'Stress is always harmful and never has any positive effects' is false.