What are 'stressors' defined as?

Stressors are defined as events or situations that cause stress. This definition encompasses a wide range of external and internal factors that can lead to a stress response in individuals. Stressors can be acute, like a sudden personal crisis, or chronic, such as ongoing work-related pressures. They can arise from various sources, including environmental stressors (like noise or pollution), social stressors (such as relationship issues or work demands), and even internal stressors related to one's thoughts and feelings.

Understanding this concept is crucial in psychology because recognizing what triggers stress is the first step toward managing it. Interventions often aim to mitigate the effects of stressors or help individuals develop coping strategies to deal with the stress they cause. The other choices represent concepts related to stress but do not accurately define what stressors are. Positive motivations for improvement and factors that enhance mental resilience refer to beneficial aspects of living that can influence well-being but do not directly relate to the definition of stressors. Similarly, behaviors that reduce anxiety levels are more about coping mechanisms rather than the stressors themselves.