Stressors

For there to be stress, a trigger or STRESSOR, must be present to initiate, the feelings and perceptions, of coping with stress.

Stressor Definition

The life situation or demand which increases the pressure, load and our perception of the effects of these threats or issues on hand.

The presence of these stressors will invoke a stress response by the individual. Stressors can cause physical, chemical and mental responses internally. 

Physical stressors

Physical stressors produce mechanical stresses on skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves that cause tissue deformation and (in extreme cases) tissue failure. 

Physical stressors may produce pain and impair work performance. Chronic pain and impairment requiring medical attention may result from extreme physical stressors or if there is not sufficient recovery time between successive exposures. 

A recent study shows that physical office clutter could be an example of physical stressors in a workplace setting.

Chemical stresses

Chemical stresses also produce biomechanical responses associated with metabolism and tissue repair. Scientists found that the earliest response to stress happens in the brain within seconds of perceiving a stressor. 

Chemicals which signal between nerve cells (neurotransmitters) are released. These include serotonin and adrenaline. Following this, stress hormones are released, which particularly affect areas of the brain key for memory and regulating emotions. Repeated stress changes how well these systems can control the stress response.

Life Change Units

A system of LIFE Change Units was developed as a tool for assigning and grading some common stressful situations we are most likely to encounter. This is not an exhaustive list but sufficient for our explanation.

Life event	Life change units
Death of a spouse	100
Divorce	73
Marital separation	65
Death of a close family member	63
Imprisonment	63
Personal injury or illness	53
Marriage	50
Dismissal from work	47
Marital reconciliation	45
Retirement	45
Change in health of family member	44
Pregnancy	40
Business readjustment	39
Gain a new family member	39
Sexual difficulties	39
Change in financial state	38
Death of a close friend	37