Which analogy correctly pairs the stress types with their valence?

• A. Eustress—positive, Distress—negative
• B. Eustress—negative, Distress—positive
• C. Eustress—neutral, Distress—neutral
• D. Distress—positive, Eustress—negative

Answer: (A)

Valence is whether an emotional experience feels positive or negative. Eustress is the beneficial, energizing form of stress that can improve focus and performance in situations that are challenging but manageable. Distress is the harmful, overwhelming form of stress that often drains energy and impairs functioning. So the correct pairing is eustress with positive valence and distress with negative valence. For example, starting a demanding project can feel exciting and motivating (eustress), while facing an impossible deadline with constant worry and fear (distress) tends to hinder you. The other options mislabel the emotional value of these stress types.