Social Stress

Synonyms

Interpersonal stress or conflict; Societal stress

Definition

Social stress can be broadly defined as a situation which threatens one’s relationships, esteem, or sense of belonging within a dyad, group, or larger social context. Social stress can emerge in a number of situations. Social stress can stem from difficult social interactions, for example, a conflictual or tumultuous marital or family relationship (Kiecolt-Glaser, Gouin, & Hantsoo, 2010). Social stress can also emerge in the context of evaluated performance situations, where others could be judgmental or critical, or in contexts in which one feels rejected, ostracized, or ignored (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004). Social stress can also be more broadly construed, representing perceptions of one’s lower role or standing within a group or community.

Social stress can lead to a range of observable and measurable responses related to health outcomes (Miller, Chen, & Cole, 2009). In some cases, social stress can cause increases...