Glossary // Glossary term Theoretical
Allostatic load
The cumulative physiological cost of repeated or prolonged activation of stress-response systems. McEwen described how stress mediators such as cortisol and catecholamines are protective in the short term but can contribute to wear on cardiovascular, metabolic and immune function when activation is frequent, prolonged or poorly terminated. The concept concerns patterns over months and years, not the response to a single stressful episode. Allostasis and allostatic load, the cognitive control of emotion, the stress-buffering effects of social support and the use of music for mood regulation explain what a night of collective movement does for the body, and what it cannot change. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (1998). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. doi:10.1056/NEJM199801153380307 Supports the claim that stress mediators protect acutely and contribute to damage when chronically activated or poorly terminated. An influential conceptual review; the allostatic load construct remains debated in measurement.Where the site uses it
Studies behind it