PsychologyMeeting Life Challenges

Which of the following is NOT an example of a stressor?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Strain

Option (1) Noise — A stressor. Noise is an event in the surroundings that makes the body give the stress response, so it is a stressor.

Option (2) Crowding — A stressor. Crowding is also an outside event that sets off the stress response. It is one of the stressors of daily life.

Option (3) A bad relationship — A stressor. A bad relationship is a social event that keeps causing the stress response. So it counts as a stressor.

Option (4) Strain — Not a stressor. Strain is the reaction to external stressors. It is the effect of stress on the person, not the event that causes it.

NCERT (2026-27): “Nature of Stress
The word stress has its origin in the Latin words ‘strictus’, meaning tight or narrow and ‘stringere’, the verb meaning to tighten. These root words reflect the internal feelings of tightness and constriction of the muscles and breathing reported by many people under stress. Stress is often explained in terms of characteristics of the environment that are disruptive to the individual. Stressors are events that cause our body to give the stress response. Such events include noise, crowding, a bad relationship, or the daily commuting to school or office. The reaction to external stressors is called ‘strain’ (see Fig.3.1).”