Differentiate between the three types of stress and provide references.

There are three main types of stress: acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress.

1. Acute stress: Acute stress is the most common form of stress and is typically short-term and specific to a particular situation or event. It is the body's immediate response to a perceived threat or challenge, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. Acute stress can be caused by everyday pressures, such as deadlines at work, traffic jams, or arguments with loved ones. While acute stress is normal and can even be beneficial in certain situations, prolonged exposure to acute stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

2. Episodic acute stress: Episodic acute stress is characterized by repeated episodes of acute stress, often caused by a pattern of ongoing stressors or a tendency to overreact to minor stressors. People who experience episodic acute stress may constantly feel overwhelmed, anxious, or irritable, and may have difficulty managing their emotions and responsibilities. This type of stress is more chronic in nature than acute stress and can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.

3. Chronic stress: Chronic stress is long-term and ongoing stress that persists over an extended period of time, often due to factors such as work-related stress, financial problems, or chronic illness. Chronic stress can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and anxiety disorders. Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to illness and disease.

References:
1. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
2. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
3. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). 5 things you should know about stress. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml

1. Acute Stress

a) Short-lived stressor
b) Focuses on immediate threats or demands
c) Typically resolves within a few minutes or hours
d) Examples: Traffic jam, job interview

Reference:
American Psychological Association (2019). Stress in America. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/stress-overview

2. Episodic Acute Stress

a) Repeated experiences of acute stress
b) Can become chronic if not managed properly
c) Examples: Work deadlines, financial worries

Reference:
Epel, E. S., McEwen, B. S., & Wingfield, J. C. (2004). Psychoneuroimmunology of acute and chronic stressors and health: A conceptual framework. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 56-92.

3. Chronic Stress

a) Long-term exposure to stress
b) Damage to physical and mental health
c) Can lead to anxiety, depression, and other illnesses
d) Examples: Poverty, unemployment, traumatic events

Reference:
National Institute of Mental Health (2022). Chronic Stress. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/chronic-stress/index.shtml