What Is Stress?

Abstract

People everywhere have long been interested in a wide range of phenomena called stress. It is a concept which is familiar to both laypeople and the medical profession, but although most people understand its meaning in general terms, it is very difficult to define precisely No single definition has been fully able to capture the nature of this complex concept. However, stress not only can be imposed by external demands but can also be generated from within by our hopes, fears, expectations, and beliefs. It follows that what is stressful to one person may be a refreshing challenge to another, depending upon his perception of the situation as well as his perception of his ability to cope with that situation.