Challenge Response
A pattern of physiological and psychological reactions in stress science that arises when an individual appraises a stressor as a challenge or opportunity. It is characterized by high cardiac output, good cerebral oxygenation, low inflammation levels, and longer telomeres, and is associated with better health outcomes.
Timeline (last 90 days)
A threat response manifests as high cortisol and high vasoconstriction, whereas a challenge response manifests as higher cardiac output, more oxygenation reaching the brain, and better problem-solving ability.
Laboratory data show that people exhibiting a challenge response have lower inflammation levels after stress ends, and their telomeres tend to be longer.
Reappraising a stressful situation from a "threat response" to a "challenge response" (e.g., interpreting "I am nervous" as "I am excited") can improve performance.
All Facts (3)
A threat response manifests as high cortisol and high vasoconstriction, whereas a challenge response manifests as higher cardiac output, more oxygenation reaching the brain, and better problem-solving ability.
50%UnverifiedLaboratory data show that people exhibiting a challenge response have lower inflammation levels after stress ends, and their telomeres tend to be longer.
50%UnverifiedReappraising a stressful situation from a "threat response" to a "challenge response" (e.g., interpreting "I am nervous" as "I am excited") can improve performance.
50%