What is Stress reactivity?
Stress reactivity is the magnitude and duration of physiological and psychological responses to stressors. It varies dramatically across individuals and is a key determinant of how stress translates into health outcomes and behavioral disruption.
How it works
Stress reactivity is shaped by genetics, early life experiences, current health, and psychological resources. High reactivity means that even moderate stressors produce large cortisol spikes, cardiovascular activation, and emotional distress. Low reactivity means the same stressors produce minimal physiological response. The implications are significant: two people facing the same objective stress can have vastly different health and behavioral outcomes based solely on their reactivity profiles. Mindfulness training, exercise, and social support can reduce stress reactivity.
Applied example
Two employees receive the same critical performance review. One (high stress reactivity) experiences a cortisol spike, elevated heart rate, sleep disruption, and ruminative thoughts for days. The other (low stress reactivity) feels briefly disappointed, processes the feedback, and moves on within hours. Their objective stressor is identical; their reactivity determines the impact.
Why it matters
Stress reactivity explains individual differences in vulnerability to stress-related illness and behavioral disruption, making it a key target for preventive interventions.
