What is the Origin of Psychophysiological Stress Recovery?

This term combines 'Psychological' (the cognitive trigger) with 'Physiological' (the measurable bodily response) and 'Recovery' (the return to equilibrium). It is a key construct in stress research, emphasizing the mind-body connection in managing allostatic load.

What is the Mechanism of Psychophysiological Stress Recovery?

Recovery is fundamentally mediated by the shift in autonomic balance, moving away from sympathetic dominance toward vagal dominance. This shift allows for the clearance of circulating catecholamines and the normalization of the HPA axis activity, reducing cortisol output. Techniques that enhance Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) are often employed to accelerate this crucial deceleration phase, promoting a return to energetic efficiency.

Psychophysiological Stress Recovery ∞ Area

Psychophysiological Stress Recovery

Meaning

Psychophysiological Stress Recovery describes the return trajectory of an individual’s physiological markers, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, to pre-stress baseline following the termination of a psychological stressor. Optimal recovery reflects efficient autonomic regulation, particularly rapid parasympathetic reactivation. Poor recovery kinetics are often associated with chronic disease risk and diminished hormonal buffering capacity.