Abstract
Threats or challenges to self precipitate a cascade of responses. The threat or challenge may be physical, environmental, social, or psychological. It may be anticipated, presently occurring, remembered, or imagined. It may be tangibly dangerous, symbolically threatening, or demanding of personal growth. Responses to threats and challenges also take on many forms, including psychological and biological reactions. Emotional life may be overcast by anxiety, and the presence of others sought for reassurance and reevaluation of the threat. Decisions about coping strategies are sifted, weighed, and implemented. The individual’s body and brain are steeped in powerful biochemicals. This process, in which internal or external events—stressors—threaten or challenge an organism’s existence and well-being and stress responses occur that are directed toward reducing the event’s impact, is stress (Baum, Gatchel, & Krantz, 1997; Baum, Grunberg, & Singer, 1982; Baum, Singer, & Baum, 1981).
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Faraday, M.M. (2006). Stress Revisited. In: Yehuda, S., Mostofsky, D.I. (eds) Nutrients, Stress, and Medical Disorders. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-952-4:003
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-952-4:003
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