Which of the following best defines stress in the context of psychology?

• A. A physical injury resulting from external trauma
• B. A permanent emotional state characterized by happiness and contentment
• C. A psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats in the environment
• D. A type of mental disorder that always requires medical intervention

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, stress is not simply a physical injury or a permanent emotional state, but rather a response mechanism.
2. Recognize that stress involves both psychological and physiological components, meaning it affects both the mind and the body.
3. Identify that stress is triggered by perceived challenges or threats in the environment, which can be real or imagined.
4. Eliminate options that describe stress as a permanent emotional state or a specific mental disorder requiring medical intervention, as these do not capture the full definition of stress.
5. Conclude that the best definition of stress in psychology is a psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats in the environment.