A theoretical review of psychosocial stress and health

Background: Psychosocial stress is one of the most ubiquitous concepts in public health. In the 21st century alone, over 350,000 articles have been indexed in PubMed under the keyword stress, with this research accompanied by a profusion of conceptual approaches. Aims: This paper adds some clarity to this diverse field by reviewing the variety of concepts used in the study of psychosocial stress and health. Method: A search of the electronic databases identified key articles providing coverage of the range of conceptual approaches to psychosocial stress. Results: Stress is conceptualised as a stimulus or response. Approaches to studying stressors, the stress process, stress sequelae and the distribution of stressors in society are considered along with emerging directions in the study of stress.