Skip to main content

Dyadic Biobehavioral Stress Model

Meaning

The Dyadic Biobehavioral Stress Model is a framework used in relational physiology to explain how the stress experienced by one partner in a couple can directly or indirectly influence the biological and behavioral stress responses of the other partner. This model posits that couples are physiologically linked, meaning chronic stressors or acute emotional events can result in synchronized hormonal and autonomic nervous system activity. It moves beyond individual pathology to analyze stress within the context of the relationship unit.