Joanne Samarzija, Child Development and Family Studies
Judith A. Myers-Walls, Extension Specialist, Human Development
Stress is a response to change or conflict. It is usually considered to be negative and damaging. However, not all forms or
levels of stress are bad. Competing in sports and achieving in school or at work are examples of positive stressors. Stress
becomes negative when the pressures surrounding these and other situations become too great or when several small stressors
occur at once, and one can no longer adjust. It is becoming evident that this type of stress overload is taking its toll on children
as well as adults
