What term refers to the negative consequences experienced when demands exceed a person’s resources?

The term "strains" refers to the negative consequences experienced when demands exceed a person’s resources. Strains often manifest as physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms that result from the pressure exerted by stressors. When an individual faces excessive demands, they may experience a range of responses, including fatigue, anxiety, and decreased performance, which are all classified as strains.

In this context, stressors are the external demands or challenges that lead to strain. Stress represents the overall psychological and physiological response to those stressors, while distress specifically refers to negative stress, which can also contribute to strains but is not necessarily the consequence itself. Therefore, while stressors and stress are related concepts, the specific term that identifies the adverse effects stemming from excess demands is strains. Understanding this distinction helps clarify how individuals react to overwhelming situations in the workplace and the importance of managing their resources effectively to mitigate strain.