Which statement about stressors is accurate?

Which statement about stressors is accurate?

• A. Stressors are the same for all individuals.
• B. Stressors change throughout the life span.
• C. Stressors do not vary with situation.
• D. Stressors always lead to illness.

Answer: (B)

Stressors are demands that require a person to adapt, and they change across the life span. As people move through different ages and life roles—teenager, student, caregiver, worker, retiree—the kinds of demands they face and how stressful they feel shift. A teen may be stressed by exams and peer dynamics, a parent may struggle with balancing work and family, and an older adult may cope with health concerns or bereavement. The impact of a stressor also depends on personal resources, health, support, and context, so the same event can be more or less stressful for different people. In addition, not every stressor leads to illness; many people adapt successfully through coping strategies and resilience. Because stressors evolve with development and circumstances, the statement that stressors change throughout the life span is the most accurate.

Stressors are demands that require a person to adapt, and they change across the life span. As people move through different ages and life roles—teenager, student, caregiver, worker, retiree—the kinds of demands they face and how stressful they feel shift. A teen may be stressed by exams and peer dynamics, a parent may struggle with balancing work and family, and an older adult may cope with health concerns or bereavement. The impact of a stressor also depends on personal resources, health, support, and context, so the same event can be more or less stressful for different people. In addition, not every stressor leads to illness; many people adapt successfully through coping strategies and resilience. Because stressors evolve with development and circumstances, the statement that stressors change throughout the life span is the most accurate.