Stress, coping and cortisol dynamics in daily life

Abstract

Psychosocial stress is thought to play an important role in the development and course of many psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. Major life events, such as the death of a family member or recent unemployment, have long been implicated as precipitating factors in illness (Dohrenwend & Dohrenwend, 1974). More recently, attention has shifted toward the possible impact of minor stressors or 'daily hassles' (Kanner et al., 1981). An inability to cope with the demands of everyday activities might contribute to the development of disorders or to the exacerbation of existing symptoms.