How is "stress" defined in psychological terms?

In psychological terms, stress is defined as a psychological and physical response to perceived threats. This definition highlights the dual nature of stress, emphasizing that it is not solely a mental or emotional state but also has physiological components. When an individual perceives a situation as threatening or challenging, a stress response is activated, leading to various physiological changes in the body, such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

By framing stress as a response to perceived threats, this definition also encapsulates the subjective element of stress—different people may experience stress differently based on their perceptions of what is threatening or challenging. This helps explain why some situations may be stressful for one person while being manageable for another. The other options do not fully capture this complexity; for instance, defining stress solely as a response to physical danger overlooks the psychological aspects and the role of perception, while considerations of mental health and relaxation do not accurately reflect the multifaceted nature of stress as a reaction to perceived threats.