What is generally true about acute stress compared to chronic stress?

Acute stress refers to a short-term response to an immediate perceived threat or challenge. It is often characterized by a rapid onset, such as the stress one might feel before an exam, during a job interview, or while facing a sudden emergency. This type of stress is typically intense but fleeting, and once the immediate situation passes, the body's stress response subsides.

In contrast, chronic stress is prolonged and can arise from ongoing issues such as long-term job pressures, relationship problems, or financial difficulties. Chronic stress can lead to significant health problems over time because the body's stress response remains activated, which can contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function.

Therefore, it is generally true that acute stress tends to cause fewer health issues compared to chronic stress, as the body's stress response in acute situations does not linger and usually allows for recovery once the stressor is removed. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the duration and nature of stress when evaluating its effects on health.