Optimal Intervention and Shielding Theory for Social Stress Dynamics

Building on the Stress–Forgetting–Shielding (SFS) framework, this paper develops an ap- plied theory of optimal intervention in social stress dynamics. We formalize when, how, and how strongly external interventions—such as agenda-setting, policy announcements, or media redirection—should be introduced to minimize long-term societal stress. The theory identifies an optimal intervention window tied to the peak gradient of the forgetting curve and provides quantitative criteria for effective shielding. Applications to political communication, crisis man- agement, and post-pandemic social recovery are discussed.