E n t r e p r e n e u r i a l

R i s k

a n d

S t r e s s

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3. Concept of Stress
Stress can be viewed as a function of discrepancies between
a persons expectation, and ability to meet demands, as well as
discrepancies between the individuals expectations and personality.
If an individual is unable to fulfill role demands, then stress occurs. 2
In this regards, entrepreneurial stress is a set of physiological or
psychological changes in the entrepreneurs reacting to certain
changes in the environment.
According to J. C. Quick and J.D Quick - Stress, or the
stress response, is the unconscious preparation to fight or flee a
person experiences when faced with any demand.
According to Mikhail A. - Stress refers to a psychological
and physiological state that results when certain features of an
individuals environment challenge that person, creating an actual
or perceived imbalance between demand and capability to adjust
that results in a non-specific response.
According to Richard Lazarus - "Stress is a situation that
someone regards as threatening and as possibly exceeding his or
her resources".
Stress is the pressures people feel in life due to their reaction
to situation. It may be positive or negative.

Negative Side (Distress): Stress is a condition arising from

the interaction of people and their jobs and characterized by
changed within people that force them to deviate from their
normal functioning. This side of stress is call distress.
Positive Side (Eustress): There is also a positive side of
stress, called eustress. Eustress refers to the healthy, positive,
constructive outcome of stressful events and the stress
response. It is the stress experience that activates and
motivates people to achieve their goals and succeed in their
life's challenges. This means people need some stress to
survive.