Via practica 12/2009

Stress, eustress and disstress

In this article, the basic concepts used in conceptualizing stress and classifying its related phenomena are defined and a general conceptual framework for understanding the interrelationships among these concepts is proposed. The mechanisms underlying Cannon and Selye stress are discussed between stress and physical health. The notion of a stress system as the effector of the stress syndrome is suggested, and its physiologic and pathophysiologic manifestations are described. The diffrence between the eustress and the disstress are elucidated. The coping mechanisms and the personality factors especially D-personality are mentioned. The conceptual scheme described is intended to be applicable across disciplines including the biological and the behavioral and social sciences.

Keywords: stress, eustress, disstress, coping, personality, Hans Selye.