ABSTRACT
Th e Stress Response ............................................................................................. 92 Adaptation to Stress ........................................................................................ 93
Stress and the Brain ............................................................................................. 95 Neurochemistry of Resilience to Stress............................................................. 97
Autonomic Nervous System Responses to Stress ....................................... 97 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Responses to Stress ..................... 99
Genetic Factors Associated with SNS and HPA Responses to Stress ......... 100 Developmental Infl uences on SNS, HPA, and Resilience ............................. 102 Psychosocial Factors of Allostatic Load and Resilience ............................... 103
Dispositional Optimism ............................................................................... 103 Exercise ........................................................................................................... 105 Social Support ................................................................................................ 106 Possible Interventions ................................................................................... 107
References ............................................................................................................ 108
Th e human biobehavioral stress response consists of behavioral and physiological reactions to “stressors” (events or situations) that are perceived as diffi cult, threatening, challenging, or dangerous. Challenges that are exhilarating and manageable are sometimes described as “good” (i.e., motivating) stress, whereas those that imply threat and danger, or are persistent and irritating, are usually seen as “bad” (unhealthy) stress. Th e frequency and the duration of stress may determine whether its ultimate eff ects are positive or negative. Also important is whether and to what extent an individual feels a sense of control or mastery over a challenging situation or its outcome.
