What do negative stressors have the potential to cause?

Negative stressors are stimuli or situations that can lead to adverse psychological and physiological responses. When individuals encounter stressors deemed negative, they may experience heightened levels of anxiety or concern. This is because negative stressors often challenge a person's coping mechanisms and can lead to feelings of overwhelm or fear regarding outcomes.

For instance, stressful events such as job loss, relationship problems, or significant life changes tend to create a sense of instability, which can trigger anxiety. In contrast, positive reactions like increased performance, happiness, or relaxation typically arise from positive stressors or manageable challenges that individuals feel equipped to handle.

The recognition of negative stressors' potential to induce anxiety is essential in understanding how stress management strategies can be used to mitigate the detrimental effects of stress on an individual's mental health and overall well-being.