Adaptive, or coping, responses support the body’s resistance to stress and ideally its resolution and return to a condition of homeostasis Stress is integral in some aspects of growth and development, especially through adaptation.

Resistance to stress involves adaptive responses, which when effective assist the body in its return to equilibrium, when the SNS effects diminish and homeostasis is restored. Unfortunately, coping does not always involve positive techniques, and maladaptive results may also occur, preventing or slowing the return to homeostasis.

homeostasis — the process by which the human body maintains balance by adjusting to internal and external stimuli. stress — the physiological response by the body to a stimulus, or stressor. adaptation — the ongoing changes within the body in response to stress. coping — an adaptive mechanism for managing stress.