Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Prolonged stress exposure refers to a continuous and extended period of being subjected to stressors, which can negatively impact an individual's mental and physical well-being.
Related terms
Allostatic Load: Allostatic load refers to the wear and tear on the body caused by chronic or repeated stress. It involves cumulative biological changes that occur as a result of prolonged exposure to stressors.
HPA Axis: The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis is a complex system involving interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in regulating our body's response to stress.
General adaptation syndrome describes the three stages (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) that individuals go through when facing prolonged or chronic stress.