Glossary // Glossary term Theoretical
Allostasis
Physiological regulation that achieves stability through change, anticipating demands and adjusting set points rather than holding them constant. The term was introduced by Sterling and Eyer and later linked by McEwen and colleagues to allostatic load, the cumulative cost of repeated or prolonged activation. Critics argue that the concept adds little to a careful reading of homeostasis. What it means physiologically when 'the body changes state': allostasis as predictive regulation, allostatic load as its cumulative cost, stress recovery and perseverative cognition, with the evidence, the critiques and the limits for catharsis. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (1988). Allostasis: A new paradigm to explain arousal pathology. Supports the historical claim that the term allostasis was introduced in this chapter. No abstract or DOI is available; the chapter is cited only for the origin of the term. (2012). Allostasis: A model of predictive regulation. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.06.004 Supports the claim that allostasis was proposed as predictive regulation, anticipating needs rather than correcting errors by feedback. A theoretical argument whose contrast with homeostasis is disputed. (2005). Defining stress as a prelude to mapping its neurocircuitry: No help from allostasis. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.08.005 Supports the claim that the concepts of allostasis and allostatic load have been criticised as adding little to an accurate reading of homeostasis. One critical position, cited as a counterpoint.Where the site uses it
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