Concept

History and Definition of Stress

Stress is the physiological or psychological strain resulting from demanding environmental or physical stimuli known as stressors. Scientific inquiry into stress began nearly a century ago, with early 20th-century pioneers like Walter Cannon first identifying the body's physiological reactions. The term 'stress' was formally introduced into scientific literature on the human condition in the 1930s and became widely used by the 1970s. An individual's perception of control over a stressor significantly influences their experience of stress, which is also understood as an adaptive response to challenging situations.

0

1

Updated 2025-10-09

Tags

Psychology

Social Science

Empirical Science

Science

Health Psychology

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Biomedical Sciences

Clinical Practice of Psychology

Ch.14 Stress, Lifestyle, and Health - Psychology @ OpenStax

Psychology @ OpenStax

Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

OpenStax