What psychological state is described by an intense feeling of anxiety related to perceived threats?

The psychological state characterized by an intense feeling of anxiety related to perceived threats is best described as survival stress. This term refers to the body's natural response to perceived danger or threats, triggering a heightened state of anxiety as a means of preparing to respond to or escape from the threat. It encompasses the physiological and psychological responses that occur when individuals feel their safety is compromised, leading to feelings of unease, hyper-vigilance, and a heightened sense of awareness to potential dangers.

Survival stress can manifest in various situations, particularly in high-risk environments, where individuals are constantly faced with threats, whether real or perceived. It is crucial to recognize this state as it plays a significant role in training and operational scenarios, particularly for correctional and probation officers who may face volatile interactions in their line of work.

Other options describe different aspects of psychological stress or resilience that do not specifically address the acute anxiety related to immediate perceived threats. Chronic anxiety refers to a long-term state of worry or fear, emotional resilience pertains to one’s ability to recover from stress, and post-traumatic stress involves a specific set of symptoms following exposure to traumatic events. These concepts, while related, do not encapsulate the immediate response to perceived threats in the way survival stress does.