Life Strains and Hassles. The stressful life-events theory is
built on the idea of change in response to major life events.
However, small daily strains or hassles may have a greater
effect on a person’s mood and health than do major misfortunes.
Stress also can arise from smaller but more chronic
problems or life strains, such as ongoing family tension, job
dissatisfaction, and loneliness. Such life strains commonly
occur in four areas:
1. Marital conflict
2. Parental issues with raising teenage and young adult
children
3. Household finances
4. Dissatisfaction with one’s job or work
Hassles are irritating, frustrating, or distressing incidents
that occur in everyday life. These may include disagreements,
disappointments, and unpleasant occurrences, such as losing
a wallet, getting stuck in a traffic jam, or arguing with a family
member. Research suggests that daily hassles may be better
predictors of psychological and physical health than major