What Is A Stressor?

A stressor is a situation, event, or demand which disrupts a person’s equilibrium, and triggers a bodily reaction called the stress response.

Life is full of challenges that may be considered stressors.

Well-known psychological stressors:

death of a loved one
divorce or separation
legal troubles
change of residence
unemployment

Less obvious stressors include:

noise
crowding
biochemical stressors (heat, cold, pollutants, poor nutrition)
personal philosophical issues (values conflict, lack of purpose).

Illness and injury are physical stressors, which may be compounded by accompanying fear, anxiety, disruption of normal activities.

Any change in an established life pattern is a potential source of stress.

People react to stressors differently. What may be a stressor to one person may not trigger the stress response in another. Our attitude towards life’s challenges is a major factor in how stress affects us.

The Stress Response
Therapeutic Massage & Stress