A measurable, composite index reflecting an individual’s integrated physiological and psychological capacity to absorb, adapt to, and rapidly recover from acute or chronic stressors without sustaining long-term systemic damage or functional decline. This factor is a clinical metric that quantifies the robustness of the HPA axis, the efficiency of the autonomic nervous system, and the overall integrity of the neuroendocrine system. A high factor indicates superior health and longevity potential.
Origin
This term is a construct used in functional and anti-aging medicine, combining the psychological concept of ‘resilience’ with the physiological concept of a ‘factor’ or measurable determinant. It shifts the clinical focus from simply managing stress symptoms to actively building the biological capacity to withstand stress. The factor is an integrated measure of systemic hardiness and adaptive reserve.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves a rapid and appropriate initial cortisol and catecholamine response to a stressor, followed by an equally swift and complete return to baseline homeostasis, mediated by effective negative feedback loops in the HPA axis. A high resilience factor also correlates with robust parasympathetic tone and efficient cellular repair mechanisms that prevent stress-induced telomere shortening and chronic inflammation. This coordinated response prevents allostatic overload.
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