Which of the following best describes mild anxiety in the context of stress?

• A. It always leads to physical illness and chronic health problems.
• B. It is characterized by a total lack of concern or motivation.
• C. It typically results in complete inability to function and severe panic.
• D. It can enhance alertness and improve performance on tasks.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of anxiety in psychology, particularly how it relates to stress. Anxiety is a natural emotional response to perceived threats or challenges, and it can vary in intensity from mild to severe.
2. Step 2: Recognize that mild anxiety is often considered a normal and adaptive response. It can heighten awareness and focus, which may help an individual respond more effectively to a situation.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options by comparing them to the characteristics of mild anxiety. For example, mild anxiety does not typically cause severe panic or complete inability to function, nor does it cause a total lack of concern or motivation.
4. Step 4: Note that mild anxiety does not always lead to physical illness or chronic health problems; such outcomes are more associated with chronic or severe anxiety.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of mild anxiety is that it can enhance alertness and improve performance on tasks, as this aligns with its role in helping individuals cope with stress in a functional way.