Which of the following reflects a normal reaction to stress?

Anxiety is considered a normal reaction to stress because it serves as a natural response to challenging or threatening situations. When faced with stressors, experiencing feelings of anxiety can be a part of the body's fight-or-flight response, helping individuals prepare to deal with potential dangers. This type of anxiety is typically temporary, often diminishing as the stressor is resolved or managed effectively.

In contrast, an anxiety disorder represents a more persistent and intense form of anxiety that interferes with daily functioning and may require intervention. Severe depression is characterized by prolonged periods of intense sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities, which are not typical reactions to stress. Acute stress disorder occurs in response to a traumatic event and is marked by symptoms that disrupt daily life, but this condition is more severe than typical stress-related anxiety and may not be considered a normal reaction. Thus, anxiety as a transitory response is recognized as a normal, adaptive reaction to stress.