Distress refers to stress that is perceived in what way?

• A. Eustress
• B. Distress
• C. Bonadaptation
• D. Coping

Answer: (B)

Distress is the way stress is experienced when the appraisal is negative—felt as threatening, harmful, or overwhelming. It’s the perception that the demands exceed one’s resources or ability to cope, which leads to feelings like anxiety, frustration, or helplessness and often to impaired performance or health effects.

In contrast, eustress is a positive form of stress perceived as a manageable challenge that can energize and focus you, potentially improving performance. Bonadaptation would refer to positive adaptation to stress, recognizing and adjusting well to demands, while coping describes the strategies used to manage stress rather than how the stress is experienced.