According to stimulus-based definitions of stress, examples of stressful stimuli can include situations like holding a high-pressure job, living in an overcrowded environment, or having a long daily commute to work.

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Stimulus-based definitions conceptualize stress as a demanding or threatening event or situation. In this view, stress is the external stimulus itself, which then elicits certain physiological or psychological reactions.

Stimulus-Based Definition of Stress

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

This definition of stress fails to recognize that different people react differently to the same stimulus.

Problems with Stimulus-Based Definition of Stress

Examples of Stressful Stimuli

An individual is stuck in a major traffic jam, making them late for an important job interview. They notice their heart is pounding and they are thinking about the negative consequences of being late. According to a definition that views stress as the external event itself, which of the following represents the stressor?

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