Final answer:
The three elements of stress are stressor, perception, and response. A stressor triggers the stress process, while perception involves appraisals that influence how we react. Our response can encompass physiological, cognitive, and behavioral reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The considered three elements of stress are the stressor, our perception of it, and our response to it. A stressor is any environmental event that might be judged as threatening or demanding, initiating the stress process. Our perception, which includes the primary and secondary appraisals, determines the extent to which we interpret these stressors as threats or challenges. Finally, we respond to these perceived stressors through a variety of ways which can include physiological, cognitive, and behavioral reactions.
For instance, an increase in job responsibilities could be a stressor. Depending on one's personal appraisal, this could be perceived as a threat (leading to stress) if it is thought to exceed one's abilities, or as a challenge (potentially leading to growth) if believed to be within one's capacity to handle. Subsequently, this perception would dictate an individual's response - whether it be stress reactions like anxiety and difficulty concentrating, or positive actions towards skill development.