Final answer:
Distress is a negative type of stress that leads to exhaustion and health problems due to the persistent biological wear and tear on the body from the stress response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distress is often described as a negative form of stress that generally has high intensity and can lead to issues such as exhaustion or feeling burned out, negatively impacting performance and health. Unlike eustress, which can be beneficial and is associated with positive feelings and optimal performance, distress is commonly associated with negative responses to stress that sustain over time and create detrimental health effects. This cumulative biological wear and tear from ongoing stress responses can compare to the overuse of machinery, where consistent operation at high capacity without proper rest can lead to malfunction and breakdown.
Long-term exposure to stress can result in a range of psychophysiological disorders, for instance, chronic job strain might increase the risk of heart diseases due to sustained high blood pressure. The constant activation of the body's stress response, even during non-acute or continuing stressful situations like worrying about finances or relationships, can lead to a variety of health complications due to the continuous production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can weaken the immune system.
The stress response can be beneficial in short-term, acute situations by preparing the body for 'fight or flight'. However, when activated over long periods without respite, it can result in health issues, highlighting the importance of managing stress effectively to maintain health and well-being.