Stress is the reaction to the stressor, she said. Stress has various symptoms, including headaches, stomachaches and a rise in blood pressure, Allumbaugh said. However, stress is based on what people perceive as stressful, said Dan Russell, professor of psychology. Russell said all people have problems in their lives they can't control, but it's how one thinks about the stressor that affects his or her mood.
Students often rank their class loads as their top stressors.
Mollie Mackie, sophomore in physical education, said deadlines stress her out the most, and she often gets headaches and is tired. Joe Hraba, professor of sociology, said stress also can have an effect on family dynamics. He said if the individual becomes hostile due to stress, it usually evokes more anger. Cutrona said the most important thing to do is figure out how to resolve the situation instead of just dealing with the stress. Cutrona said people could relieve stress by pacing themselves and taking a break from studying.