The Stuart Stress Adaptation Model outlines predisposing factors that influence how individuals respond to stressors. Biological predisposing factors include genetic background and general health status. Sociocultural predisposing factors include attributes such as age, gender, education level, and cultural background. The model also describes precipitating stressors as stimuli that are challenging, threatening, or demanding and require increased energy to cope with, potentially producing tension or stress for the individual.

1. Mosby items and derived items © 2013, 2009 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 1
Stuart Stress Adaptation Model
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2. Mosby items and derived items © 2013, 2009 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2

3. Mosby items and derived items © 2013, 2009 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3
Predisposing Factors: Biological
 Genetic background
 Nutritional status
 Biological sensitivities
 General health
 Exposure to toxins
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4. Mosby items and derived items © 2013, 2009 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 4
Predisposing Factors: Sociocultural
 Age
 Gender
 Education
 Income
 Occupation
 Social position
 Cultural background
 Religious upbringing
and beliefs
 Political affiliation
 Socialization
experiences
 Level of social
integration or
relatedness
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5. Mosby items and derived items © 2013, 2009 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 5
Precipitating Stressors
 Stimuli that are challenging, threatening, or
demanding to individual
 Require increased energy
 Produce tension and stress
 May originate in person’s internal or
external environment
 Timing, duration, number, frequency of
stressors significant
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