Stressful refers to a situation or event that produces mental, emotional, or physical strain on an individual. It can be caused by both positive and negative experiences.
Related terms
Coping Mechanisms: Strategies individuals use to deal with stressful situations.
Fight-or-Flight Response: A physiological response triggered by stress that prepares the body to either confront or flee from a threat.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): A three-stage model explaining how the body responds to ongoing stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.