The word "stress," as it's used in modern context to describe a bodily or mental response, originated from physics and was popularized in medicine by Hans Selye.
From Physics to Physiology
Initially, the term "stress" referred to the internal distribution of force within a material resisting an external force. Think of a bridge resisting the weight of cars crossing it.
Selye, an endocrinologist, borrowed this concept to describe the body's response to any demand placed upon it. He defined stress as the "nonspecific response of the body to any demand." This means that regardless of the stressor – be it physical exertion, emotional distress, or even joy – the body reacts in a similar manner to try and maintain stability (homeostasis).
Hans Selye and the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Selye's research led to the development of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), a three-stage model describing how organisms respond to stress over time:
- Alarm Stage: The initial reaction to a stressor, triggering the "fight-or-flight" response.
- Resistance Stage: The body attempts to adapt to the stressor and maintain a stable state.
- Exhaustion Stage: If the stressor persists long enough, the body's resources are depleted, leading to fatigue, illness, or even death.
Key Takeaway
So, while the word "stress" originated in physics, its current popular understanding as a physiological and psychological phenomenon stems directly from the work of Hans Selye and his adaptation of the term to describe the body's universal response to any demand.
