Which term represents stress that is negative and potentially harmful?

• A. Stress
• B. Eustress
• C. Distress
• D. Ekman

Answer: (C)

Stress comes in two main forms: a positive, motivating kind and a negative, harmful kind. The negative form—distress—occurs when stress signals threaten well-being or exceed what you feel you can handle. It can sap concentration, disturb sleep, raise health risks, and keep the body in a heightened state of arousal for too long. This is what makes distress potentially harmful.

In contrast, the positive form of stress, called eustress, comes from challenges that feel achievable and purposeful, often enhancing focus and performance. The other term mentioned isn’t about a type of stress at all; it refers to a researcher known for studying emotions and facial expressions, not a category of stress. So the term that best fits negative, harmful stress is distress.