Stress: definition and current conceptualization
The term stress is frequently defined as a process involving
perception, interpretation, response and adaptation to
harmful, threatening, or challenging events (Lazarus and
Folkman 1984). This conceptualization permits separate
consideration of (1) events that cause stress (stressors
or stressful life events); (2) cognitive and affective processes
evaluating the event and available coping resources
(appraisal); (3) biological responses and adaptation
needed to cope with the stressor; and (4) behavioral and
cognitive response to the stressful event (coping). Each
of these components is associated with specific and overlapping
neural systems that interact in a complex and intricate
manner to coordinate the experience and response to stress. A brief and simplified overview of these components
is provided below