Stress-Illness Model
Stress-Illness Model
A theory that stress can cause or worsen physical illness. It provides scientific evidence that mental burden also affects the body.
Details
The Stress-Illness Model is a theoretical framework that explains how psychological stress affects physical health.
Pathways Through Which Stress Causes Illness
Related Research
According to Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) theory, the body's response to stress progresses through an alarm stage → resistance stage → exhaustion stage. When chronic stress reaches the exhaustion stage, physical illness can develop.
Conditions Influenced by Stress
A wide range of physical conditions are linked to stress, including cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, impaired immune function, chronic pain, and skin conditions.
Prevention and Management
Mindy here — stress management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation training, and exercise play an important role in disease prevention and recovery.
💡 Real-Life Example
During exam periods, getting frequent colds from stress, or developing stomach problems when workplace stress is severe — both are explained by this model.
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.