GCSE Psychology: Stress Guide

What causes stress?

Stress can be caused by major life events (such as bereavement or moving house) and everyday hassles (such as traffic or workload), both of which can build up to affect wellbeing.

The body's stress response

The body responds to stress through the "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline that prepare the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate and alertness.

Effects of stress

Short-term stress can be useful for focus and performance, but prolonged stress can negatively affect both physical health (such as immune function) and mental health.

Managing stress

Stress management techniques include problem-focused coping (tackling the cause directly) and emotion-focused coping (managing the emotional response), such as relaxation techniques or social support.

Common mistakes

• Assuming all stress is harmful — some stress can improve short-term performance.
• Confusing problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies.
• Describing a stressor without explaining why it causes a stress response.