Final answer:
The so-called father of the scientific study of stress is Hans Selye, known for his work on the General Adaptation Syndrome. His contemporary Walter Cannon is also recognized for his early contributions, most notably the 'fight or flight' response to stress. The collective research has greatly informed our understanding of stress in both physiological and psychological contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Scientific Research into Stress
The father of scientific research into stress is often acknowledged to be the endocrinologist Hans Selye, known for pioneering the field. Prior to Selye's extensive work, Walter Cannon introduced foundational concepts such as the 'fight or flight' response, identifying the body's physiological reactions to stress. However, it is Selye who is renowned for his concept of the General Adaptation Syndrome, defining stress as a non-specific response of the body to any demand for change, and laying the groundwork for countless studies that followed.
The significance of Selye's work was such that his native Hungary honored him with a commemorative stamp in 2009. His conceptualization of stress highlighted the universal physiological patterns that follow exposure to stressors, offering a tangible way to study and understand stress-related illnesses.
Additionally, the work of neuroscientists such as Robert Sapolsky and Carol Shively has extended our understanding of stress, specifically its social determinants and effects on mental and physical health. Their long-term studies on non-human primates have illuminated the impact of social hierarchy on stress and its related health outcomes, thereby enriching our comprehension of stress in human societies.