The ultimate anti-stress weapon, according to Seaward (1994), is:

The ultimate anti-stress weapon, according to Seaward (1994), is:

• A. self-esteem.
• B. faith.
• C. plenty of rest and relaxation.
• D. exercise and a healthy diet.

Answer: (A)

Self-esteem is the central factor that buffers stress because it shapes how you interpret challenges and your belief in your own ability to handle them. When you feel worthy and capable, you’re more likely to see difficulties as solvable, which lowers how threatening they feel and strengthens your motivation to cope. That sense of competence supports adaptive problem-solving, persistence, and reaching out for help when needed, all of which reduce the impact of stress. While faith can provide meaning and support networks, rest and relaxation help reduce physiological arousal, and a healthy lifestyle boosts physical resilience, none of these alone cultivates the enduring coping confidence that self-esteem provides.

Self-esteem is the central factor that buffers stress because it shapes how you interpret challenges and your belief in your own ability to handle them. When you feel worthy and capable, you’re more likely to see difficulties as solvable, which lowers how threatening they feel and strengthens your motivation to cope. That sense of competence supports adaptive problem-solving, persistence, and reaching out for help when needed, all of which reduce the impact of stress. While faith can provide meaning and support networks, rest and relaxation help reduce physiological arousal, and a healthy lifestyle boosts physical resilience, none of these alone cultivates the enduring coping confidence that self-esteem provides.