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The stress concept as a problem for a ‘theoretical pathology’

Social Science & MedicinePublished 1 January 1985Open access
Paul E. Christian, Fernando Lolas Stepke
Citations14
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score2.10
SNIP2.01
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TL;DR

Using the example of the stress concept, it is suggested that it is a 'key word' with denotative and connotative meanings accessible to professional and laymen, contributing to explore the 'gray zone' between 'health' and 'disease' by linking psychological, social and biological determinants of 'well-being" and 'discomfort'.

Abstract

Theoretical pathology' is defined as the conceptual foundation of medicine. Research in this area is concerned with the analysis of explicit and implicit patterns of thought dominating research and practice. Using the example of the stress concept, it is suggested that it is a 'key word' with denotative and connotative meanings accessible to professional and laymen, contributing to explore the 'gray zone' between 'health' and 'disease' by linking psychological, social and biological determinants of 'well-being' and 'discomfort'. Examples of current research illustrate possible expansions of medical theorization.

Keywords

Health Professions