Psychological Stress

Stressor

Ubiquity and Rising Levels of Stress

Common Usage and Feeling of Stress

Two employees are informed they must give a presentation to senior management next week. Employee A has extensive public speaking experience and views this as an opportunity to showcase their work. Employee B has a fear of public speaking and sees this as a major threat to their career. Although the external demand is identical for both, Employee B reports feeling significantly more overwhelmed and distressed. Based on the foundational understanding of stress, what is the most critical factor that explains the difference in their reactions?