Hello students. My name is Dr Suman Rahi.
I am an Assistant Professor of Psychology at
Public College, Samana, District Patiala. Today, I will be speaking on the topic of stress.
After completing this module, learners will be able to understand the meaning and nature of
stress as a psychological and physiological process.
Stress is a common part of everyday life. It refers to the physical and psychological response
of an individual to demands that are perceived as challenging or threatening. These demands
can arise from the environment, social relations, or internal thoughts and expectations. Stress
is not only about pressure. It also depends on how a person perceives and interprets a
situation (Baron & Misra, 2016).
Stress can be both positive and negative. Eustress is a positive form of stress. It motivates
individuals and helps them perform better. Examples include preparing for an examination,
participating in a competition, or starting a new job. Eustress enhances focus and energy. In
contrast, distress is negative stress. It occurs when demands exceed a person’s ability to cope.
Distress can lead to anxiety, frustration, and health problems if it continues for a long time
(NCERT, 2024).
The sources of stress are known as stressors. Stressors can be of different types. Physical
stressors include illness, injury, fatigue, or lack of sleep. Psychological stressors involve
fear, worry, low self-esteem, or unrealistic expectations. Social stressors arise from family
conflicts, peer pressure, work demands, or role overload. Environmental stressors include
noise, pollution, crowding, and natural disasters. Stressors can also be classified as acute,
which are short-term, or chronic, which persist over a long period (Morgan et al., 2015).
Stress involves both the body and the mind. When a person perceives a threat, the body
activates the fight-or-flight response. This response prepares the body to face or escape
danger. Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released. Heart rate increases, and
energy levels rise. While this response is helpful in the short term, prolonged activation can
harm physical and mental health (Ciccarelli et al., 2016).
One of the most influential models of stress is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
proposed by Hans Selye. GAS explains stress as a three-stage process. The first stage is the
alarm stage, where the body reacts to the stressor. The second stage is the resistance stage,
where the body tries to adapt and cope. If stress continues for too long, the body enters the
exhaustion stage, leading to reduced immunity and increased risk of illness. This model
highlights the harmful effects of long-term stress (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014).
Stress is also shaped by cognitive appraisal. Individuals evaluate a situation before
responding to it. In primary appraisal, the person judges whether an event is stressful or not.
In secondary appraisal, the person assesses available coping resources. This explains why
the same situation can be stressful for one person but not for another (Baron & Misra, 2016).
Coping strategies are the methods people use to manage stress. Problem-focused coping
aims to change the stressful situation, such as time management or seeking information.
Emotion-focused coping aims to regulate emotional responses, such as relaxation, seeking
social support, or acceptance. Some coping strategies are adaptive, while others, such as
avoidance or substance use, are maladaptive (NCERT, 2024).
In sum, stress is a complex process involving stressors, appraisal, bodily responses, and
coping. Understanding stress helps individuals manage daily challenges and maintain
psychological well-being.