A light sensitive photographic element is disclosed having a support bearing at least one light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, an overcoat layer, and at least one non-light sensitive stress absorbing layer between the emulsion layer and the overcoat layer, wherein the stress absorbing layer comprises a polymer and a hydrophilic colloid in a mass ratio of greater than or equal to about 1:1, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than about 5.degree. C. It has been found that pressure fog can be substantially reduced when such a stress absorbing layer is present.