Psychological stress describes what people feel when they are under mental, physical, or emotional pressure, which can be caused by daily responsibilities and routine events, as well as by more shocking ones, such as trauma or illness. Any situation that challenges an individual’s ability to deal with it can be a source of stress. When that situation also produces emotional or behavioral reactions, it can cause psychological stress (Carver, 2011). Psychological stress can result in a variety of behavioral reactions such as overeating, undereating, angry outbursts, drug or alcohol abuse, tobacco use, or social withdrawal (Mayo Clinic, 2013).
Psychologist Richard Lazarus, arguably the most influential scholar and researcher on the subject of psychological stress (Lazarus, 1999; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) defines psychological stress as “a particular relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being” (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984, p.19).
Events or stimuli that cause psychological stress are referred to as psychological stressors. In addition, personality traits, attitudes, beliefs, coping skills, and emotional states (including love, anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, hate, and hopelessness)—can trigger physiological reactions that affect blood chemistry, heart rate, and the activity of every cell and organ in the body (Seaward, 2012). Emotional reactions to stress can also cause psychological reactions that, in turn, cause further emotional and behavioral responses to stress, creating a cyclical pattern that can ultimately affect health and well-being.
Common psychological stressors include the following:
- Excessive worrying
- Loss of employment, a loved one, or an important relationship
- Illness or injury
- Unrealistic expectations
- Fear of failure or fear of not being as good as others
- Fear of losing one’s health
- Perfectionism
- Experiencing a natural disaster, racism, bullying, or assault
- Financial problems
- Changes at work, such as promotion, restructuring, new management, taking on a new job
- Moving to a new home
- Taking care of someone who is ill or dying
- Changing your family situation, such as getting married or divorced, having children, moving in with relatives or having someone come to live with you