The Psychological and Immune Effects of Stress

Grade XI, Chatrabhuj Narsee Memorial School, Mumbai, India, 400056

Abstract

Stress is a multifaceted biopsychosocial response triggered by demanding or threatening situations, activating complex psychological and physiological mechanisms. This article provides a comprehensive overview of stress, with a particular focus on chronic stress, its underlying biology, and broad-ranging implications. It distinguishes between acute and chronic stress, examining the physiological and neurological responses, especially the central role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the consequences of cortisol dysregulation, such as immune suppression and systemic inflammation. The review delves into the psychological and emotional consequences of chronic stress, including its links to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while also discussing how chronic stress alters brain structures like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impairing cognitive function and emotional regulation. Behavioral and social effects are explored, such as maladaptive coping strategies, increased aggression, social withdrawal, and interpersonal conflicts. Stress is no longer viewed as a short-term, adaptive mechanism but as a chronic condition deeply embedded in modern life. The shift from acute to chronic stress reflects broader lifestyle and environmental changes that make effective coping more difficult and long-term consequences more severe. Finally, the article reviews current interventions and coping strategies, highlighting both individual and systemic challenges in stress management. It emphasizes the need for accessible, evidence-based approaches that address emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of stress. The conclusion calls for integrated mental health policies and proactive support systems to reduce the burden of chronic stress and enhance collective well-being across different sectors of society.