PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STRESS: IMPACTS ON IMMUNE FUNCTION AND CHRONIC ADAPTATIONS

Stress is a ubiquitous experience with significant physiological and psychological impacts. This article explores the interplay between psychological stress, immune function, and long-term physiological adaptations. Acute stress can temporarily enhance immune responses, while chronic stress leads to immunosuppression and systemic inflammation. Over time, chronic stress contributes to maladaptive changes, including cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurological alterations. This study synthesizes existing research to illustrate the mechanisms underlying these phenomena, emphasizing implications for health and disease management.