What is stress?

Bianca feels excited and slightly nervous before her first performance in a play she wanted to join. What kind of stress is she experiencing?

For weeks, Devon has felt overwhelmed by conflicts, cannot sleep well, and cannot focus in class. What kind of stress is this?

What is a stressor?

A construction crew begins drilling beside Maya's apartment every morning before school. What is the stressor in this situation?

Which situation is most likely to cause eustress?

Nia and her friend face the same big test. Nia feels motivated, but her friend feels sick with worry. What does this show?

In one week, Andre faces a deadline, an argument with a friend, and a broken phone. Why might he feel more stressed than he would from any one of them?

Seconds after a car nearly hits her bike, Tori's heart pounds, her pupils widen, and she breathes rapidly. Which stage is she in?

For two weeks, Omar has been worried about a family problem. His first shock has faded, but he remains alert and his body is still coping with the stressor. Which stage is this?

After months of unrelieved pressure, Priya feels drained, gets frequent headaches, and cannot keep coping. Which stress-response stage best fits?

A fire alarm suddenly sounds during class. Jay freezes, sweats, and his breathing speeds up immediately. What stage has begun?

Keisha has adjusted to a demanding rehearsal schedule after several days, but she remains watchful and tense until the performances end. Which stage is she experiencing?

A student has faced intense caregiving demands for months and now feels physically depleted and often ill. Which stage is most likely?

When a dog lunges unexpectedly at Chen, his muscles tighten and his blood pressure rises at once. What stage is this?

A long-term problem has not ended, but Erin's racing heart is less intense than it was on the first day and she remains prepared to cope. Which stage is this?

After a semester of unmanaged stress, Malik feels exhausted and his usual coping strategies no longer work. What stage best describes this?

Adrenaline is released during the alarm response. What does it do to the body's fuel supply?

During the fight-or-flight response, what change helps a person take in more oxygen quickly?

Why do pupils dilate during the alarm response?

During an alarm response, digestion slows. Why?

What happens to skeletal muscles during the body's immediate stress response?

Which physical change is part of the fight-or-flight response?

Which pair of changes can result from months of chronic stress?

Which long-term problem may chronic stress contribute to or worsen?

Riley has had unrelieved stress for months and begins having frequent stomach problems. Which health effect is linked to chronic stress?

Which symptom is commonly associated with long-term stress?

Why can chronic stress make a person more vulnerable to illness?

Which mental-health concern has been linked with chronic stress?

What can happen when a person's stress response stays active for a long time?

Rosa has three assignments due Friday and freezes whenever she opens her laptop. Which stress-management step best fits?

Just before giving a presentation, Noah notices fast breathing and tense shoulders. What should he do first to activate the relaxation response?

Ava is new at school and feels isolated whenever she is stressed. Which coping action best adds social support?

Eli loses sleep because he starts homework late and tries to finish everything at midnight. Which strategy best addresses the stressor?

Sam has practice, chores, and a project due the same week. What is the most useful first time-management step?

After a stressful day, Morgan notices tight muscles but has 10 quiet minutes at home. Which technique best targets that physical tension?

For several weeks, Taylor's stress symptoms have not improved and are interfering with school and sleep. What is the best next step?

Kai feels overwhelmed by a large research project and keeps avoiding it because it seems impossible. Which coping technique fits best?

Jordan has been tense after school most days and wants a healthy routine that can reduce stress over time. Which choice best fits?

Before a difficult conversation, Casey's thoughts are racing and the body feels keyed up. Which technique best focuses attention and calms the body?