Stress-reactive

Stress-reactive describes a biological or behavioral system that exhibits a heightened or exaggerated response to stressful stimuli. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from physiological changes like increased heart rate and cortisol levels, to emotional reactions like anxiety, fear, or anger, and behavioral alterations such as avoidance or aggression. The degree of reactivity varies considerably between individuals and is often influenced by genetic predisposition, early life experiences, and current environmental factors. A stress-reactive individual or system is more easily triggered and demonstrates a stronger reaction than a less reactive counterpart, impacting their well-being and ability to function effectively under pressure.

Stress-reactive meaning with examples

• The patient's stress-reactive cardiovascular system caused spikes in blood pressure during minor everyday tasks, leading to frequent medical consultations. Her doctor was considering medication and lifestyle changes to manage her stress-reactive condition.
• Chronic childhood trauma can lead to stress-reactive brain architecture, resulting in exaggerated startle responses and difficulties regulating emotions in adulthood, impacting social interactions and causing difficulties.
• Researchers are studying the genetic markers associated with a stress-reactive immune system, which is believed to contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders after experiencing stressful situations in mice.
• The study highlighted how stress-reactive personalities, in contrast to resilient individuals, were more likely to develop depression during periods of economic uncertainty and job losses for the people of the study.
• After the incident, the animals showed a stress-reactive fight-or-flight response, exhibiting heightened vigilance, rapid heartbeats, and difficulty returning to normal behaviors. The impact on the animals was not the same for all of them.