Stress is a physiological and psychological state of tension experienced by individuals in response to various stimuli, events, or circumstances that impose demands on the mind and body. Different scholars have offered nuanced definitions of stress. T. H. Holmes and R. H. Rahe, for instance, view stress as life changes, linking them to the onset of diseases. H. Selye describes stress as a series of non-specific physiological reactions that occur in the body due to harmful stimuli (stressors), including an enlargement of the adrenal cortex, atrophy of the thymus and lymph glands, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and bleeding, collectively referred to as general adaptation syndrome. Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman conceptualize stress as a dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment, where stress arises when perceived demands exceed available resources or threaten well-being. According to Lazarus et al., psychological stress can stem from minor daily hassles and sustained negative emotions rather than major life events. They emphasize that individuals’ cognitive appraisals determine whether a situation is perceived as stressful. While moderate stress can energize and foster personal growth, excessive stress can have detrimental effects on health.

Individuals receiving nursing care often experience varying degrees of stress due to illness, disability, or health concerns. By using specialized techniques, nurses play a crucial role in assisting patients to manage or alleviate stress. This may involve providing emotional support, teaching coping strategies, and implementing interventions aimed at reducing stressors and promoting well-being.

• Kosugi, S. (2002). Stress psychology: Individual difference processes and coping. Kawashima Shoten.
• Lazarus, R. S. (1990). Stress and coping: An invitation to Lazarus theory (Hayashi, S., Ed. & Trans.). Seiwa Shoten.
• Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1991). Psychology of stress: Research on cognitive evaluation and coping (Motoaki, H., Haruki, Y., & Oda, M., Trans.). Jitsugyo Publishing.