ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to review methodological research on naturalistic stressor assessment, in order to provide a framework for researchers and practitioners to choose among different categories of stressor measurement. Naturalistic stressor assessment falls into four general categories: life events; stress appraisal; chronic stress; and daily hassles. We discuss the history and current state of each of these measurement strategies, commenting on situations where their use is more appropriate. The review is necessarily brief: for more detailed information regarding methodological and technical matters, readers should consult two recent reviews of stressor measurement and theory (Herbert & Cohen, 1996; Kessler, 1997). We conclude with a look toward future development of these strategies.
