Stress definition in psychology
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Psychological Stress: Definitions and Core Concepts
Psychological stress is commonly defined as a state in which an individual perceives that external demands exceed their personal resources or coping abilities, leading to a disruption in their psychophysical balance Vincze2021Ursin2004Goodnite2013+1 MORE. This experience can be triggered by a wide range of events or situations—referred to as "stressors"—that threaten a person's physical or psychological well-being Vincze2021Ursin2004Goodnite2013+1 MORE.
Theories and Models of Stress in Psychology
Several models have been developed to explain stress in psychology. Hans Selye, a pioneer in stress research, described stress as the "nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it," emphasizing the physiological changes that occur when homeostasis is threatened Goodnite2013Marinova2019Buenrostro-Jáuregui2025. Selye’s model focused on the body’s general adaptation to stressors, while later models, such as the interactionist and transactional models, highlighted the importance of the relationship between the individual and their environment . The transactional model, developed by Richard Lazarus, defines stress as the result of a dynamic interaction between personal and external factors, where the perception of a threat and the ability to cope are central .
The cognitive activation theory of stress (CATS) further refines this by distinguishing between stress stimuli, the subjective experience of stress, the physiological stress response, and the experience of that response. According to CATS, stress arises when there is a perceived discrepancy between what is and what should be, triggering a general alarm response in the body .
Types and Symptoms of Stress
Stress can be categorized into different types, including physical, psychological, psychosocial, and psycho-spiritual stress, each with its own characteristics and symptoms . The symptoms of stress are broad and can affect physiological, emotional, and behavioral systems. Common psychological symptoms include anxiety, anger, sadness, and sometimes emotional flattening after intense or traumatic stress Ursin2004Buenrostro-Jáuregui2025Nasibova2020.
Eustress vs. Distress: Positive and Negative Stress
Not all stress is harmful. The literature distinguishes between "distress" (negative stress) and "eustress" (positive stress). Eustress refers to stress that is perceived as within one’s coping abilities and can be motivating or exhilarating, while distress is overwhelming and can lead to negative health outcomes Redzic2024Goodnite2013Marinova2019.
Stress, Adaptation, and Health
Stress is a natural part of life and can be adaptive, prompting individuals to respond to challenges. However, chronic or unmanageable stress can lead to a range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and physical illnesses, especially when adaptation mechanisms are inadequate Ursin2004Abdivaliyevna2024Nasibova2020. The body’s ability to adapt to stress—referred to as allostasis—can be overwhelmed by frequent or intense stress, leading to "allostatic load" and increased risk of disease Goodnite2013Abdivaliyevna2024.
Conclusion
In psychology, stress is best understood as a complex, multifaceted process involving the perception of external demands, internal coping resources, and physiological responses. It is shaped by individual differences, the nature of the stressor, and the context in which it occurs. While stress can be adaptive and even beneficial in moderation, chronic or excessive stress poses significant risks to mental and physical health Vincze2021Ursin2004Vincze2020+6 MORE.
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