What is one significant effect of chronic stress on health?

Chronic stress has a profound impact on health, and one significant effect is its ability to lead to various health issues. When an individual experiences ongoing stress, the body remains in a heightened state of arousal, which can disrupt multiple physiological systems. This prolonged activation of the stress response can result in negative outcomes, including cardiovascular problems, weakened immune responses, digestive issues, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Over time, the cumulative effects of stress can manifest as chronic diseases, showcasing how vital it is to manage stress for overall well-being.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between chronic stress and health outcomes. While enhancing immune function or reducing the risk of chronic diseases would suggest a protective benefit of stress, in reality, the opposite is true; chronic stress compromises health. Additionally, the concept that stress aids in achieving personal growth is subjective and may not apply to everyone, especially when considering the detrimental health effects of sustained stress.