What is the term for the tendency to perceive more situations as stressful?

The term that describes the tendency to perceive more situations as stressful is known as differential exposure. This concept focuses on how individuals differ in their exposure to stressful situations based on their characteristics or dispositions. Those who exhibit differential exposure are more likely to encounter or interpret situations in a way that makes them feel stressed, regardless of the actual level of stress that the situation might entail.

This phenomenon can be influenced by various factors, including personality traits, past experiences, and cognitive appraisal processes. By recognizing differential exposure, we can better understand why some individuals report higher stress levels compared to others, even in similar environments or circumstances. Understanding this concept is crucial in the field of organizational behavior, as it can influence employee well-being, performance, and overall workplace dynamics.

The other options relate to different aspects of personality and stress response but do not specifically address the idea of perceiving situations as stressful as directly as differential exposure does.