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Psychosocial Stressors and Health

Meaning

Psychosocial stressors are non-physical, environmental demands—such as social conflict, job strain, financial insecurity, or perceived discrimination—that require a psychological or behavioral adaptation and profoundly impact health. These stressors are potent activators of the body’s stress response, leading to chronic hormonal dysregulation and increased allostatic load. The cumulative effect of these daily life demands is a measurable shift in the endocrine system, contributing to the etiology of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues and metabolic disorders.