Understanding Stress: Distress vs Eustress

Stress is a common experience that can affect an individual’s health and well-being. Various factors contribute to how a person perceives and responds to stress. According to psychological research, stress can result from both external pressures and an individual’s internal coping mechanisms. Consider the following scenario:

A student has a big exam coming up and feels overwhelmed. They are experiencing a strong reaction in response to the anticipated stress of this exam. Which of the following concepts best explains the student's experience?