Positive motivating stress that enhances performance and functioning.

• A. Distress
• B. Eustress
• C. Acute Stress
• D. Optimal Stress

Answer: (B)

Positive motivating stress that enhances performance and functioning is eustress. This idea captures stress that you perceive as within your control and that energizes you to meet a demand—boosting focus, motivation, and performance. Think about gearing up for a challenging but achievable task, like preparing for a big presentation or training for a race; you feel energized and capable, and the stress helps you perform better. The sense of manageable challenge keeps arousal at an optimal level, which often improves accuracy, speed, and persistence.

Distress, by contrast, is harmful stress that overwhelms you and tends to drain performance and well-being. Acute stress refers to a short-term stress response tied to a specific event, and while it can be positive or negative, it isn’t the standard label for the beneficial, motivational kind. The term optimal stress is used informally but isn’t the established concept here.