Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Stress levels describe the physiological and psychological responses individuals experience when facing challenging or demanding situations that they perceive as threatening or overwhelming.
Related terms
Eustress: Positive stress that motivates individuals to achieve goals and improve performance.
Distress: Negative stress that causes discomfort, anxiety, or harm to an individual's well-being.
Fight-or-flight Response: The body's automatic response to perceived threats, preparing for either confrontation or escape.