Which term describes stress that occurs before an anticipated event?

Which term describes stress that occurs before an anticipated event?

• A. Distress
• B. Anticipatory
• C. Eustress
• D. Developmental

Answer: (B)

Anticipatory stress is the experience of stress before an anticipated event. When someone expects a procedure, exam, or major life change, worry and tension arise in advance. This response can motivate preparation and coping, but it can also become excessive and interfere with functioning, leading to sleep problems, heightened arousal, or rumination. In practice, recognizing anticipatory stress helps you provide information, clarify what to expect, teach relaxation techniques, and offer reassurance to reduce uncertainty. The other terms describe different patterns: distress is negative stress tied to a current or past stressor, eustress is positive, energizing stress from a desirable challenge, and developmental stress relates to growth or maturation processes rather than pre-event anticipation.

Anticipatory stress is the experience of stress before an anticipated event. When someone expects a procedure, exam, or major life change, worry and tension arise in advance. This response can motivate preparation and coping, but it can also become excessive and interfere with functioning, leading to sleep problems, heightened arousal, or rumination. In practice, recognizing anticipatory stress helps you provide information, clarify what to expect, teach relaxation techniques, and offer reassurance to reduce uncertainty. The other terms describe different patterns: distress is negative stress tied to a current or past stressor, eustress is positive, energizing stress from a desirable challenge, and developmental stress relates to growth or maturation processes rather than pre-event anticipation.