Why might low-magnitude stressors contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Low-magnitude stressors can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because they often involve day-to-day irritations that accumulate over time, ultimately straining a person's coping resources. These stressors may not seem significant in isolation, but their chronic nature can create a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed or anxious.

Individuals exposed to these ongoing, low-intensity stressors may find their resilience eroded, making them more vulnerable to developing PTSD when faced with a more severe traumatic event. Unlike high-magnitude, acute stressors which may be isolated incidents, low-magnitude stressors often manifest in everyday life, making them harder to recognize and manage. When someone is consistently dealing with these small but frequent stressors, their mental health may become compromised, leading to greater susceptibility to psychological issues such as PTSD.