Stress, Culture, and Community

This original work focuses on how stress evolves and is resolved in the interplay between persons and their social connectedness within family, tribe, and culture. Stevan Hobfoll begins his analysis of stress in modern life by questioning the conventional view of psychology, which until now has individualized the stress process, framing stress as a private, mentalistic burden. In contrast to this view, Hobfoll argues that stress is in the real world, and tied to people's social attachments in particular.

He guides the reader through his novel interweaving of scientific inquiry with literary, social, religious, and historical analysis.