What is acute stress?

Acute stress refers to a short-term response to a recent or anticipated stressor that triggers the body's immediate fight or flight response, preparing an individual to either confront or escape danger. This kind of stress can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and anxiety, all of which are designed to help the person respond effectively to a challenging situation.

In contrast to prolonged reactions to stress, which are characteristic of chronic stress, acute stress is temporary. It arises directly from events that occur in the moment or very recently, producing a swift but intense psychological and physiological response. This immediate reaction is essential for survival, as it primes the body to deal with perceived threats.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of acute stress. For example, a slight increase in stress levels does not reflect the immediate and potent reaction typical of acute stress, while a calming response to pressure is contrary to the heightened state of arousal associated with acute stress. Additionally, a prolonged reaction to a stressful event aligns more with chronic stress, which develops over time rather than being a direct response to an immediate event.