Stress is the response of a living system to demands or adverse stimuli, known as stressors, that challenge its equilibrium and trigger adaptive physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes. In humans and animals, stress activates neuroendocrine pathways, notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the…
Stress is the response of a living system to demands or adverse stimuli, known as stressors, that challenge its equilibrium and trigger adaptive physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes. In humans and animals, stress activates neuroendocrine pathways, notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, releasing mediators such as cortisol and altering cardiovascular indices including heart rate variability; sustained or excessive activation contributes to oxidative cellular injury, disrupted sleep, and to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Stress is studied across contexts, from psychological stress in adolescents, students, and healthcare workers to controlled paradigms such as the Trier Social Stress Test, and interventions ranging from somatosensory stimulation and biofield-based formulations to sound, mindfulness, and exercise are examined for their capacity to modulate the stress response. In plant biology, stress denotes abiotic challenges such as drought and salinity that impair growth and yield, prompting proteomic, physiological, and genotype-based studies of tolerance in crops including cereals, sugar beet, and chickpea. Across these domains the concept centers on how organisms detect, signal, and respond to perturbation, the distinction between adaptive and maladaptive responses, and the consequences of chronic exposure. Understanding stress mechanisms informs strategies to protect mental and physical health and to enhance resilience in biological systems.
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 12 articles above have been cited 98 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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