Which type of stressor is described as extremely intense and happens only once?

The description of a stressor described as extremely intense and occurring only once aligns perfectly with the concept of an acute stressor. Acute stressors are typically sudden and short-term, often resulting from a specific event or situation that provokes a strong physiological or emotional response. For example, an unexpected accident, a natural disaster, or a sudden loss can all be categorized as acute stressors because they are intense experiences that do not persist over time.

In contrast, chronic stressors are ongoing and can significantly impact a person's mental and physical health over an extended period. Intermittent stressors occur at varying intervals, which means they can happen multiple times, but they are not constant. Sequential stressors are stressors that occur in a series or sequence, building upon one another.

This distinction is crucial for understanding how different types of stressors affect individuals and informs the approaches that can be used in counseling to address these stressors effectively. Recognizing acute stressors allows school counselors to provide targeted support for students who may be dealing with the aftermath of a singular but intense challenge.