Stress has long been a major topic of study for psychologists as they have attempted to develop an understanding of its causes and devise ways to help people to cope with it. Health psychologists suggest that there is a connection between physical health and psychological factors. It is now clear that good health and the ability to cope with illness are affected by psychological factors, such as the ability to manage stress and an individual’s health habits. 

Stress is formally as the response to events that threaten or challenge a person. Whether it be a paper or exam deadline, a family problem, or even a cumulative series of small events. Life is full of circumstances -known as stressors- that produce threats to our well-being. Even pleasant events, such as planning a party or starting a new job, can produce stress, although negative event result in greater detrimental consequences than positive ones. 

All of us face stress in our lives. Some health psychologists believe that daily life actually involves a series of repeated sequences of perceiving a threat, considering ways of coping with it, and adapting to the threat, with greater or lesser success. Although adaptation is often minor and occurs without being aware of it, in those cases in which the stress is more severe or longer lasting, adaptation requires major effort and may produce psychological responses that result in health problems. 

 

Source: FELDMAN; Robert S. (1993) Understanding Psychology. US: McGraw Hill. Consulting date, 23 January 2008

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