Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Suffering refers to the state of experiencing physical or emotional pain, distress, or hardship. It can be caused by various factors such as illness, loss, trauma, or mental health problems.
Related terms
心理痛苦 (xīnlǐ tòngkū): Psychological suffering specifically refers to the emotional distress and anguish that individuals may experience due to mental health problems.
病痛 (bìngtòng): Physical illness or bodily pain can also lead to suffering as it affects a person's overall well-being and quality of life.
应对策略 (yìngduì cèlüè): Coping strategies are techniques or actions that individuals use to deal with stressors and alleviate their suffering. These strategies can be healthy or unhealthy depending on their effectiveness.