Final answer:
Everyday stress involves minor daily hassles that can accumulate over time, while hazardous stress includes more intense or chronic stressors that can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease or PTSD.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between everyday stress and hazardous stress lies in the intensity, frequency, and the impact on an individual's health and well-being. Everyday stress consists of daily hassles like losing keys, traffic jams, or minor disagreements, which can, over time, escalate into significant stress when they accumulate. Hazardous stress, on the other hand, includes acute stressors such as physical danger or chronic stressors like long-term unemployment, which can have profound negative effects on our physical and psychological health, potentially leading to chronic conditions such as heart disease or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Stress is subjective and is influenced by an individual's appraisal of an event. A moderate amount of stress can indeed be beneficial, improving our efficiency and mental sharpness. However, when stress becomes too intense, frequent, or is perceived as beyond one's capacity to cope, it becomes hazardous and can take a toll on health and well-being. Occupations can have inherent stressors, like those faced by firefighters or prison guards, and one's early experiences and traumas can shape how they respond to stress later in life.