A Stressor is any event, situation, or thought that triggers stress. Stressors can be external (e.g., work pressure, relationship conflict) or internal (e.g., negative self-talk, perfectionism).
Key Points:
- Types of Stressors:
- Acute Stressors: Short-term (e.g., exam, job interview).
- Chronic Stressors: Long-term or repetitive stress (e.g., ongoing financial difficulties).
- Traumatic Stressors: Life-threatening or severe events (natural disasters, accidents).
- Individual Variation: People vary in their perception of what constitutes a stressor and how intensely they react.
- Response: The body’s stress response (fight-or-flight) can be adaptive in small doses but harmful if activated too frequently or for prolonged periods.
