What term refers to anything that causes stress?

The term "stressor" specifically refers to any event, situation, or condition that triggers stress in an individual. Stressors can be physical, emotional, or environmental factors that disturb a person's equilibrium, prompting a stress response. This can include things like work-related challenges, personal relationship issues, or significant life changes. Understanding the concept of a stressor is crucial in the context of stress management because identifying stressors is the first step in addressing and mitigating their effects on well-being.

In contrast, the other terms like pressure, strain, and stimulus have distinct meanings in the context of stress. While pressure can contribute to stress, it doesn't encapsulate the full range of potential stress-inducing factors. Strain refers more to the physical or emotional strain that results from dealing with stressors. A stimulus is a broader term that can refer to any agent that produces a response but is not limited to those that induce stress. Hence, "stressor" is the most precise term in this context.