How does stress impact health according to the cognitive-transaction model?

The cognitive-transaction model of stress emphasizes the interplay between an individual’s perception of stressors and their ability to cope with those stressors. When examining how stress impacts health through this lens, the correct understanding is that stress becomes problematic when the demands placed upon an individual exceed their available coping resources. This imbalance can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes, as the individual may feel overwhelmed and unable to manage the stress effectively.

For instance, when a person perceives a situation as too demanding and feels unable to cope, it can trigger a series of physiological responses, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened anxiety, which can subsequently lead to chronic health issues if prolonged. Therefore, recognizing the point at which stress transitions from being manageable to overwhelming is critical in understanding its impact on health.

In contrast, other choices suggest different perspectives, such as stress being unrelated to physical health or only having negative implications for mental health, which do not align with the comprehensive view presented by the cognitive-transaction model. The idea that stress can be beneficial under certain conditions is also valid but is more applicable to situations where individuals have adequate coping mechanisms in place to handle and channel stress positively.