Daily Stress and Stress-Related Disorders

Investigations of the association between daily minor stress and the selected stress-related disorders of asthma, headache, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes are reviewed, with evidence suggesting the strength of the association varies greatly across individuals.

Abstract

Abstract This review examines literature linking minor stress to disorders commonly presumed to be stress-related. The development of the Daily Stress Inventory, an instrument designed to explore this association, is presented. Investigations of the association between daily minor stress and the selected stress-related disorders of asthma, headache, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes are reviewed. In all of these disorders there is evidence of varying quality that daily minor stress may be associated with exacerbation. The nature of this association remains unclear in most cases. Further, there is evidence suggesting the strength of the association varies greatly across individuals. Diagnostic implications are discussed, as are the implications for assessment and treatment studies.