Bertus Jeronimus on stress theory and personality

Stress is an umbrella term for many experiences we face in life. We intuitively know what it means but, at the same time, we don’t fully understand it. Is then the term ‘’stress” too vague to actually explain anything about health and disease? Stress is the leading cause of global burden on healthcare, so how can we better define and understand it? These questions are explored by our guest dr. Bertus Jeronimus, a clinical and developmental psychologist and researcher at the University of Groningen. As he is currently working on a theory of daily life stress, Bertus explains that precision is key to sort out all the aspects that make up the sometimes confusing concept of stress. We talk about the adaptive function of stress throughout life, the way stress is understood in different fields, and the role of personality types. We also examine the importance of how one interprets and handles stressful experiences (i.e., appraisal and coping). As always, a complex yet fascinating topic. We hope you enjoy it.

Highlights of the episode:

a) Minute (1:40) – Defining stress. The importance of doing so and its components.

b) Minute (12:45) – Being shaped by stress. Life course development.

c) Minute (21:58) – The history of the term stress.

d) Minute (26:45) – Stress is adaptive. The goldilocks zone, societal demands, and personality.

For more on Bertus’ work at University of Groningen and Stress in Action, check out:

• Stress in Action: https://stress-in-action.nl/bertus-jeronimus/
• University of Groningen: https://www.rug.nl/staff/b.f.jeronimus/

Credits:

Host: Marcos Ross

Production: Anouk Weverling, Merlijn van der Geer

Supported by: Myrte Schoenmakers, Artemis Stefani and Merel van den Berg

Music: Marcos Ross