Is It True That Novel Or New Situations Are More Likely To Cause Stress?

Dr. Kim Lebowitz answers the question: 'New/Novel Situations Most Stressful?'

ByABC News
April 16, 2008, 3:51 PM

— -- Question: Is it true that novel or new situations are more likely to cause stress?

Answer: You know what? That really depends on an individual's personality. Stress is defined by anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being. So if you're an individual who might not be so favorable of new or novel situations, and that poses a challenge to you, then it certainly can activate your body's stress response where you might feel physiologically aroused and you might feel anxious or feel some other emotions.

For other individuals, seeking new challenges might be something that's exciting and welcome. So that's why you have some individuals who enjoy jumping out of planes, and other people who will just do everything they can to avoid that.

Next: What Is The Relationship Between Work And Stress?

Previous: What Are Some Of The Diseases/Conditions That Can Be Affected By Stress?