Stress can be categorized as which of the following?

Stress can be categorized as which of the following?

• A. It is always negative.
• B. It can be positive or negative.
• C. It only affects mental health.
• D. It has no impact on physical health.

Answer: (B)

Stress isn’t just negative—it has a spectrum. Some stress is positive (eustress) and can sharpen focus, boost energy, and improve performance when challenges feel manageable. Other stress is negative (distress) when it’s excessive or chronic, leading to anxiety, sleep trouble, and health problems. So, describing stress as something that can be positive or negative best reflects how it affects us. The idea that stress is always negative, only affects mental health, or has no impact on physical health doesn’t fit how the body responds—stress influences both mind and body, including physical health through hormones, heart rate, and immune function.

Stress isn’t just negative—it has a spectrum. Some stress is positive (eustress) and can sharpen focus, boost energy, and improve performance when challenges feel manageable. Other stress is negative (distress) when it’s excessive or chronic, leading to anxiety, sleep trouble, and health problems. So, describing stress as something that can be positive or negative best reflects how it affects us. The idea that stress is always negative, only affects mental health, or has no impact on physical health doesn’t fit how the body responds—stress influences both mind and body, including physical health through hormones, heart rate, and immune function.