The Daily Mail reports researchers observed the genetic variations of stress for the first time. They discovered that stress is caused by a gene we inherit from our parents.
This explains why some people manage to keep a cool head and others fall to pieces when faced with a difficult situation.
Scientists reached this conclusion after studying the brain scans of people before and after a stressful situation. Study participants were shown violent film scenes and photographs of angry and scared faces to induce stress.
There was more brain activity noted in the amygdala region of those who had inherited the stress gene. This is the part of the brain which helps us interpret our emotions.
Half of the population has this gene.