What term describes a stress reaction resulting from unpleasant or harmful events?

The term that describes a stress reaction resulting from unpleasant or harmful events is "distress." Distress is characterized by negative feelings and experiences that arise when an individual faces challenges that exceed their ability to cope or adapt. This type of stress is often associated with anxiety, worry, and suffering, impacting both mental and physical health.

Understanding distress is crucial for public safety telecommunicators, as they often encounter high-pressure situations and emotionally charged calls that can lead to such stressful reactions. Recognizing signs of distress can aid in developing coping strategies and fostering a supportive work environment.

The other terms, while related to stress, describe different concepts. "Anti-stress" typically refers to techniques or elements that relieve stress rather than representing a reaction to it. "Eustress" refers to positive stress that can motivate an individual and improve performance, whereas "stressor" denotes the external events or triggers that lead to a stress reaction. Thus, distress specifically encompasses the adverse effects of harmful or unpleasant events.