What term refers to variables that influence how stress is experienced and its impact on health?

The term that refers to variables influencing how stress is experienced and its impact on health is stress moderators. Stress moderators are factors that can enhance or diminish the effects of stressors on an individual. These moderators can include elements such as personality traits, social support, and coping mechanisms.

For example, someone with a strong support system may experience less negative impact from stressors than someone who lacks such support, even if both individuals are subjected to similar stressors. The nature of these moderators shows that they play a crucial role in determining how stress is perceived and managed, thus affecting overall health outcomes. Understanding stress moderators is essential in the field of psychopathology, as it helps to identify ways to alleviate stress and improve mental health.