How do stressors typically challenge an individual's coping resources?

Stressors challenge an individual's coping resources primarily by exceeding the available coping mechanisms. When a stressor is too great for a person to manage using their current coping strategies, it creates a sense of overwhelm. This can occur when the demands of the situation surpass an individual’s emotional, psychological, or social resources, leading to feelings of helplessness or anxiety. In contrast, stressors that are manageable allow for effective coping, and predictable stressors may even encourage the development of adaptive strategies, thereby fostering resilience rather than challenging existing resources. Excessive support does not typically challenge coping resources; rather, it can provide the necessary aid to deal with stress effectively. Thus, the correct response highlights the critical point that the nature and intensity of stressors can significantly affect a person's ability to cope.