Which of the following describes negative stress?

The term that accurately describes negative stress is distress. Distress refers to the harmful effects of stress, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, worry, and other negative emotional states. It often occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed by their circumstances and perceives a lack of control over their environment or situation. Distress can adversely affect physical and mental health, contributing to various issues such as burnout, decreased performance, and emotional exhaustion.

In contrast, eustress refers to positive stress that can motivate and enhance performance, such as stress experienced during exciting events or challenges. Optimistic stress is not a widely recognized term in the context of stress management and does not refer to a specific type of stress. Performance stress may refer to stress related to performing tasks, but it does not specifically denote a negative aspect of stress like distress does. Understanding these distinctions is important for managing stress effectively in both personal and professional contexts.