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
A stressor refers to any stimulus or event that causes stress or triggers the body's stress response. It can be an external factor, such as a deadline or a conflict, or an internal factor, such as self-doubt or worry.
Cognitive appraisal is when an individual evaluates and interprets a situation to determine if it is stressful. For example, in this case, the student may appraise the upcoming final exam as highly important and challenging.
Distress: Distress refers to negative, harmful stress that exceeds our ability to cope with it effectively. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or overwhelm for the student worrying about their final exam.
Coping Strategies: Coping strategies are efforts made by individuals to manage or reduce stress. These can include seeking social support from friends or family members, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises before the exam, or creating a study schedule to help organize study time effectively.