Stress is a subjective experience. Much of the stress we experience is based on our own perception of a situation; therefore, sources of stress can vary greatly from one person to another. What any individual perceives as a stressor is a stressor for that person, regardless of another’s evaluation of that situation.

Two factors largely determine individual responses to stressful situations: the way the person perceives the situation, and the person’s general state of physical health.

Whether one perceives a situation as a threat, either psychological or physical, is crucial in determining the behavioral response – whether it is fleeing, fighting, or cowering in fear – and the physiologic response- calmness or heart palpitations and elevated cortisol levels.