Definition of stress - Intro to Psychology

Summary

The video discusses stress as a response to situations perceived as overwhelming, where individuals feel they cannot meet the demands placed on them. It highlights how stress arises when the perceived inability to handle a situation, such as juggling multiple responsibilities like work, school, and family, becomes too much to manage. The example of having a paper, a test, and work commitments due at the same time illustrates how stress can emerge from various life situations, whether academic, professional, or personal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stress is the response to a situation perceived as overwhelming.
• 😀 The key factor in stress is the perceived inability to meet the demands of the situation.
• 😀 Stress occurs when a person feels they cannot handle the challenges before them.
• 😀 A person may feel overwhelmed due to multiple demands, such as a paper, work, and a test all at once.
• 😀 The perception of being unable to handle responsibilities triggers stress.
• 😀 For example, a person might feel stressed if they have a ten-page paper due, a test on the same day, and work shifts.
• 😀 Stress can stem from academic pressures like projects and tests.
• 😀 Work-related stress is another common source, especially with deadlines and workloads.
• 😀 Family and household responsibilities can also be stressors in a person’s life.
• 😀 The experience of stress is subjective, based on personal perceptions of demand and capability.

Q & A

What is stress defined as in the script?

Stress is defined as the response to a situation that a person perceives as overwhelming, where they feel unable to meet the demands of the situation.

Why is the perception of the inability to meet demands important in understanding stress?

The perception of the inability to meet demands is crucial because stress is not about the actual situation, but about how the person perceives their ability to handle it.

Can you provide an example of a stressful situation mentioned in the script?

An example given in the script is having a ten-page paper due in two days, having to work nights, and studying for a test on the same day the paper is due.

How does this example illustrate stress?

In this example, the individual may perceive the situation as too overwhelming, feeling unable to handle the demands of the paper, the test, and work, which results in stress.

Is the situation objectively stressful for everyone?

No, stress is subjective. Some people may perceive the situation as manageable, while others may find it overwhelming, leading to stress.

What role do perceived demands play in experiencing stress?

Perceived demands play a central role because stress is a result of how an individual perceives the demands of a situation, not necessarily the actual difficulty of the tasks.

What are some other examples of stressful situations mentioned?

Other examples include having projects due at work or managing household and family responsibilities.

What is meant by 'demand' in the context of stress?

A 'demand' refers to a task, responsibility, or expectation that requires effort and may cause stress if the person feels they cannot meet it.

Why might some people experience more stress than others in similar situations?

People have different perceptions and coping mechanisms, so some might feel more overwhelmed by the same situation, while others may handle it without stress.

How can understanding stress help in managing it?

Understanding that stress is linked to how we perceive our ability to meet demands can help individuals identify their stress triggers and develop better coping strategies.