Stress, coping strategies, and health behaviors all influence well-being. Research in health psychology, the study of health behaviors, informs our understanding of how people's behaviors play a role in their health. Stressors come in all shapes and sizes, from catastrophic events to major life transitions to the hassles of everyday life.
There are many factors that influence the effects of stress, including cognitive appraisal, physical reaction, and coping strategies. There are a number of ways that stress affects the body, including a decreased immune response and an increased risk of heart disease. Individual factors such as personality and explanatory style can also change the way stress affects a person.
Lastly, there are a number of healthy and unhealthy behaviors that people engage in that influence susceptibility and response to stress. Being aware of these factors can improve a person's overall health and well-being and help mitigate stress's potential negative effects.
