In psychology, the term stress is best defined as?

The term stress in psychology is best defined as physical or psychological tension and strain because it captures the core experience of stress as it pertains to the body's response to challenging or harmful situations. Stress can arise from both external pressures, such as work, relationships, or environmental factors, and internal pressures, like thoughts and feelings. This definition encompasses not only the emotional turmoil that stress can cause but also acknowledges the physiological responses, such as increased heart rate or changes in hormone levels, that can accompany stressful experiences.

In contrast, emotional support from others primarily refers to the assistance and comfort that individuals can provide to one another, which can help alleviate stress but does not define stress itself. A state of complete relaxation describes the absence of stress rather than the condition of experiencing stress. Self-identity issues focus on personal and social identity challenges, which can be a source of stress but are not a comprehensive definition of the concept of stress as a psychological condition.