How do psychologists define 'stress'?

Psychologists define 'stress' as a psychological and physical response to perceived challenges or threats because it encompasses the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physiological factors triggered by various stressors. This definition highlights that stress is not merely an emotional experience; rather, it involves how individuals interpret and react to situations they perceive as challenging or threatening, which can include both internal thoughts and external demands.

The response to stress involves not only emotional dimensions, such as anxiety or frustration, but also physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate or elevated cortisol levels. This all-encompassing view of stress allows psychologists to study its effects on health, behavior, and emotional well-being, recognizing that individual differences play a significant role in stress responses. The broader context acknowledges that both external factors (such as stressful life events) and internal factors (like personality and coping skills) influence how stress is experienced and managed.