Ambient Stressors

Abstract

The concept of "ambient stressor" is developed to address certain shortcomings in current formulations of environmental stress. Characteristics of ambient stressors are that they are chronic, negatively valued, nonurgent, physically perceptible, and intractable to the efforts of individuals to change them. Distinctions are drawn between the concepts of ambient stressors, acute stressors, and daily hassles. Particular attention is given to differences in psychological appraisals of ambient stressors and daily hassles. Factors are identified that influence appraisal processes (namely, characteristics of the contexts on which ambient stressors impinge) and personal, experiential influences. Additionally, the possible mediating effects of such factors on coping and ad-otation outcomes in response to ambient stressors are explored.