CONCEPT OF STRESS Stress is the general term which is used for the pressure which people feel in life.

Presence of stress is quite normal in many jobs. However, it depends on the individual how they react to the stress. Na task which is challenging for one person may produce high level of anxiety in another. Generally the term stress is used in negative terms. But its not always bad. It also have positive value. If the boss gives a formal reprimand for poor performance, this is form of distress . But there is also a positive and pleasant side of stress caused by good things. If an employee is offered a job promotion at another location, this is the form of eustress . The term eu is greak word which means good . DEFINITIONS Stress is the interaction of the individual with the environment. By Ivancevich and Matteson Job stress is condition arising from the interaction of people and their jobs and characterized by changes within people that force them to deviate from their normal functioning. By Beehr and Newman WHAT STRESS IS NOT? A. Stress is not simply anxiety- anxiety operates totally in the emotional and psychologiocal sphere while stress operates also in physiological sphere. Stress may be accompanied by anxiety but both are not same. B. Stress is not simply nervous tension- like anxiety, nervous tension may result from stress but the two are not the same. C. Stress is not necessarily something had or to be avoided- stress is not always bad. It hasa some positive values also. Distress may be prevented but distress is something people should accept as a challenge. CHARACTERSTICS OF STRESS 1. Stress may result in any kind of deviation- Physical, Psychological, or behavioral in the person. 2. Stress is the result of individuals interaction with environmental factors. 3. Stress may be either temporary or long term both, mild or severe too. 4. Stress can be potential or actual both.