Final answer:
Coherence among stress systems refers to the way different physiological systems interact and integrate to manage stress, and varies between individuals depending on genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coherence Among Stress Systems and Individual Differences
Understanding the coherence among stress systems involves examining how different physiological systems interact to produce a unified response to stress, and how this varies between individuals. Research shows that stress can affect multiple systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine system, and the immune system. Individual differences in stress responses can be influenced by a variety of factors such as genetics, personal history, and psychological characteristics like resilience and the perception of control. The concepts of stress by Chrousos & Gold, and the study on daily stress by Diehl & Hay both support the notion that individual differences significantly shape how stress is processed and managed within the body.
Optimal performance of the CNS is crucial for managing stress, as it integrates responses from the body and brain. Studies have found that emotional responses to stress involve various areas of the brain that must work together seamlessly. Dysregulation in these systems, as mentioned in psychopathology literature and studies by Mauss et al. and Michaud et al., can lead to various mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Moreover, age and personal control over life events—as discussed by Neupert et al.—also play prominent roles in stress reactivity and coherence among stress systems.
Prolonged or intense psychological stress has been implicated in adverse health outcomes, particularly pertaining to the immune system, as reviewed in meta-analytic studies by Segerstrom & Miller. This underscores the importance of understanding coherence in stress responses, to potentially guide interventions that could bolster resilience and reduce the risk of stress-related disorders.