Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

Legal Definition of emotional distress: a highly unpleasant emotional reaction (as anguish, humiliation, or fury) which results from another's conduct and for which damages may be sought. — called also emotional harm, mental anguish, mental distress, mental disturbance, mental suffering. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The state owns most of the land, leases it to the farmers and imposes cotton production quota. Failure to meet the annual quota results in punishment, public humiliation or even loss of land. (CNN)