Definition: Environmental Stress Theory is a psychological framework that explores the relationship between environmental factors and human stress reactions.

• Environment: Refers to the external conditions, influences, and surroundings that individuals are exposed to.
• Stress: Represents the physiological and psychological response individuals experience when they perceive an imbalance between the environmental demands and their coping abilities.
• Coping: Encompasses the strategies individuals utilize to manage or adapt to stressful situations, aiming to alleviate the negative impact on their well-being.
• Reactions: Denotes the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses that individuals display as a result of environmental stressors.

• Transaction: Emphasizes the interactive nature of the relationship between individuals and their environment, as stress is not solely determined by external factors, but also influenced by one’s interpretation and subjective perception of these factors.
• Cumulative Effects: Suggests that prolonged exposure to multiple stressors can produce a cumulative impact on an individual’s overall well-being, exacerbating stress reactions over time.
• Specificity: Recognizes that different individuals may experience varying stress reactions to the same environmental stressors, primarily due to individual differences, personality traits, and coping strategies.
• Amelioration: Promotes the idea that interventions and coping mechanisms can help mitigate the impact of environmental stressors, enhancing an individual’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.