In psychology, stress is best defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense.

• A. A physical disease
• B. A type of drug
• C. A state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
• D. A nutritional deficiency

Answer: (C)

Stress in psychology is the body's and mind's response to perceived demands or threats, resulting in a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense. It centers on how a person appraises a situation as challenging or threatening and then mobilizes resources to cope, which can include physiological changes like increased heart rate and stress hormone release. Short-term stress can sharpen performance, but when demands are ongoing, it can become harmful to well-being. This definition is distinct from a physical disease, a drug, or a nutritional deficiency, which are not descriptions of the psychological response to perceived pressure. For example, feeling anxious before a difficult test is a normal stress response to the perceived challenge, not the test itself.