Stressor
A stressor is the specific factor or event that triggers a stress response: something that makes a demand and is experienced as load or threat. Stressors can be external (the environment, people) or internal (thoughts, expectations).
Definition
A stressor is the cause of stress, the stimulus that sets off the tension response. Stressors can be physical (injury, overload, heat), social (conflict, other people's expectations) or psychological (fear of mistakes, pressure for results). The same factor becomes a stressor or not depending on how the person appraises it.
How it shows up in sport
Typical stressors in sport are inflated expectations and pressure from parents, strained relationships and conflict with the coach, the importance of a competition, and fear of defeat or injury. Stressors accumulating without recovery lead to anxiety and depletion. Recognising your own stressors is the first step to managing them.
Related tests
Sport stressor questionnaires and stress-recovery scales help identify your main sources of pressure. You can take the assessment in the tests section. The results show exactly which factors put the most load on a particular athlete.
Exercises
Working with stressors involves analysing and sorting them (what is within your control and what is not), reappraising how much they matter, and communication skills for conflicts. The practices are in the exercises section. Some stressors can be removed; for the ones that can't, you build resilience through coping skills.
Related terms and issues
The concept is inseparable from stress and pre-competition anxiety. The practical versions are pressure from parents and conflict with the coach. Our specialists can help you unpack your personal stressors and reduce their effect.
FAQ
How is a stressor different from stress?
A stressor is the source, the cause (an important competition, say, or a conflict), while stress is the body's and mind's response to it.
Can all stressors be removed?
No, and there is no need to. Some factors cannot be eliminated, so the aim is to reduce the impact of the ones you can control and build resilience to the rest.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.