Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:-

The prisoners in the concentration camps in World War-ll had lost faith in the future. Being in the camp, I felt disgusted with the state of affairs and I forced my thoughts to turn to another subject. "Suddenly, I saw myself standing on the platform of a well- lit, warm and pleasant lecture room. In front of me, the attentive audience were seated in comfortable upholstered seats. I saw myself giving a lecture on hope, optimism, and resilience under difficult circumstances." Suddenly, all that oppressed me stopped giving me pain and distress. This practice was so impactful that I could succeed in rising above the situation and the sufferings of the moment." 

The prisoners in the concentration camps were in a state of despair that caused them physical and mental 'wear and tear'. This state can best be described by which term?

Distress

The correct answer is Option (3) → Distress

Distress refers to the negative form of stress that occurs when a person perceives a situation as threatening, overwhelming, or harmful. It causes both physical and mental wear and tear, often leading to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and physical exhaustion. In the case of the concentration camp prisoners, the extreme hardship, deprivation, and constant threat to life created a state of prolonged psychological suffering—classic symptoms of distress.

Other Options: 

1. Eustress – This is a positive form of stress that motivates individuals to perform better, focus, and achieve goals. For example, feeling a bit nervous before a competition can push someone to prepare well. The prisoners in the camps were not in a motivational or productive stress state; they were experiencing severe harm, so this does not apply.

2. Strain – This refers to the immediate physiological or psychological response to stressors, such as muscle tension, headaches, or short-term irritability. While strain may have been present, it’s more of a short-term reaction rather than the ongoing extreme suffering described in the passage.

3. Burnout – This is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion often caused by prolonged work-related stress, especially in caregiving or professional contexts. Although the prisoners experienced exhaustion, burnout is typically used for occupational settings, not extreme life-and-death scenarios like concentration camps.