Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

Which type of stress is essential for healthy development, characterized by brief increases in heart rate?

1. Positive Stress

2. Chronic Stress

3. Negative Stress

4. Traumatic Stress

The correct answer is: Positive Stress

Positive stress is essential for healthy development because it involves brief, manageable increases in heart rate and other physiological responses that can motivate an individual to engage with challenges and enhance skill acquisition. This type of stress helps build resilience and coping mechanisms, allowing individuals to adapt to new situations and learn from experiences. For example, attempting a new task or facing a moderate challenge can activate positive stress, which ultimately contributes to growth and development, particularly in children. In contrast, chronic stress, negative stress, and traumatic stress are detrimental to health and development. Chronic stress results from prolonged exposure to stressors and can lead to negative physiological and psychological effects. Negative stress often involves feelings of overwhelm or anxiety, while traumatic stress arises from experiences that are life-threatening or extremely distressing, which can have long-lasting impacts on mental health and development.