I think if you read into the research properly rather than just the headlines a lot of the press has generated it is more about humans failing to realize their cat is stressed in the first place and having the wrong idea that if a cat is stressed stroking or petting will make it feel better.
I think the easy rule is if the cat wants to get away from you let it. Make sure that there are plenty of hiddely holes for your cat to hide in and if they are hidden leave them alone.
People do need to learn what cat language means - so they do recognize stress when they see it. Just remember stressed cats are not calmed by petting - they want to feel safe and secure on their own.
