When Are Stressors Likely to Cause Stress?

Abstract

Since most of us come across stressors every day, but only rarely get stress symptoms or illness, we must ask: When are stressors likely to be harmful? What makes people susceptible? In what contexts are symptoms most likely to appear? What seems to be important is the complex interaction between (1) types of stressors; (2) an individual’s ever-changing susceptibility, and attitudes and beliefs; and (3) the social, political, economic, physical, and psychological environments in which stressors occur. If the social, psychological, and physical environments are optimum, and the person has a positive outlook, the person is likely to escape unscathed from the effects of demanding or challenging stressors. The robust individual may similarly remain intact despite demands and a pressured environment if bis expectations are realistic.