Final answer:
Ongoing stress can lead to physical problems because it involves chronic physiological reactions that can result in wear and tear on the body, leading to psychophysiological disorders and other health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ongoing stress has psychological properties, but also leads to physical problems because it involves chronic physiological reactions. These reactions are initially adaptive and beneficial in acute, short-term situations, much like our body's response to a fearsome bear. However, when such physiological responses become chronic due to persistent stress, they can lead to a cumulative wear and tear on the body akin to an overused machinery.
Chronic activation of these stress responses, such as those involving the stress hormone cortisol, can result in weakened immune system functioning, making an individual more susceptible to infections and various health issues. Chronic stress is often linked to a variety of psychophysiological disorders, with substantial research indicating correlations with cardiovascular disorders, asthma, and even heart disease.