Final answer:
The term that best describes the negative stress caused by trauma, loss, and other upsetting occurrences is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It includes symptoms like intrusive memories and persistent negative emotional states, often in response to severe and life-changing traumatic events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes the negative stress caused by trauma, loss, and other upsetting occurrences is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a chronic stress reaction that can occur after an individual experiences or is exposed to severe psychological trauma. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive and painful memories, heightened alertness or jumpiness, persistent negative emotional states, detachment from others, angry outbursts, and an avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Traumatic events can include exposure to military combat, physical assaults, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and serious accidents.
These extreme stressors, such as the loss of a loved one or events that drastically alter personal life, can lead to considerable adjustment difficulties, influencing both mental and physical health. While stress can also be a response to daily hassles and life changes, PTSD specifically results from intense and often life-threatening events and should be addressed with appropriate clinical attention and support.