Cumulative stress.

The slow buildup of cortisol from daily stressors culminating in a tipping point that is disproportionate to the final, often minor, stressor.

Sobbing uncontrollably because you spilled your coffee. Punching a wall because the printer jammed again. Yelling at a spouse because the toilet seat isn't positioned as you wish it to be. Cumulative stress doesn't justify harmful behavior, but does explain it

Or perhaps I'm just projecting my stresses into your unrelated question

Perhaps I'm misunderstand your question, but I think in life it's just...life. The editor of the film you experience as your life is your own brain. Anything it does to affect the way you experience it is just the way you experience it.

The edge effect in perception or just edge effect.

So a happy child who starts to cry when they drop their ice cream is more intense than just showing a crying child with dropped ice cream.

It applys to any sudden change in perception. So getting into a hot shower or cold pool. Walking intro a house where cooking is going on. Sudden change in volume like at party when something happens and everybody goes silent.

Interpretation

Contrast.