Which statement best describes chronic stress?

Which statement best describes chronic stress?

• A. It lasts briefly and you can control it easily
• B. It persists for a long time and involves a sense of little or no control
• C. It is caused by acute stress
• D. It is unrelated to control

Answer: (B)

Chronic stress is defined by its long duration and the perception that you have little or no control over the stressor. When a stressor persists for weeks, months, or longer and you feel you can’t change the situation, the body’s stress response stays activated. That ongoing activation can lead to wear and tear on the body, increasing risks for high blood pressure, immune problems, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. In contrast, stress that lasts only a short time and can be managed or stopped tends to resolve once the situation ends. So this option best captures both the length of time and the sense of limited control that characterize chronic stress. The other statements describe short-term stress, a stressor that is not about control, or misstate the relationship between stress duration and control.

Chronic stress is defined by its long duration and the perception that you have little or no control over the stressor. When a stressor persists for weeks, months, or longer and you feel you can’t change the situation, the body’s stress response stays activated. That ongoing activation can lead to wear and tear on the body, increasing risks for high blood pressure, immune problems, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. In contrast, stress that lasts only a short time and can be managed or stopped tends to resolve once the situation ends. So this option best captures both the length of time and the sense of limited control that characterize chronic stress. The other statements describe short-term stress, a stressor that is not about control, or misstate the relationship between stress duration and control.