The pattern of responses an organism makes to stimulus event that disturbs the equilibrium and exceeds a person's ability to cope. Origin in the Latin word 'strictus', meaning tight/narrow and 'stringere' (to tighten). Stress may get manifested in two forms:

(a) Eustress: The level of stress that is good for you and is one of a person's best assets for achieving peak performance and managing minor crises. This is positive, healthy and inspiring.

(b) Distress: Manifestation of stress that causes our body's wear and tear. It is negative, unhealthy and demotivating.

Stressors: Events that cause our body to give the stress response. Whatever causes stress is known as stressor.

Strain: Reaction to external stressors is known as strain.

Hans Selye (Father of modern stress research) defined stress as a non-specific response of the body to any demands.

Basic Features of Stress:

1. Different stressors may produce different patterns of stress reaction.

2. Stress is embedded in the ongoing process that involves individuals interacting with their social and cultural environment. Stress is a dynamic mental/cognitive state. It is a disruption in homeostasis/imbalance that gives rise to resolution of the imbalance/restoration of homeostasis.

Perception of stress is dependent on an individual's cognitive appraisal of events and the resources available to deal with them.