Now that we have explored the different components of the stress response, we dive a little deeper into another important aspect: timing. The stress response is not a single moment in time. Instead, it unfolds across different phases. “Part of the stress response can actually happen before the stressful event occurs—we call this anticipation,” explains Ellen Stroemer, a PhD candidate jointly at the University Medical Center Groningen and the University of Groningen. This is typically followed by an immediate reactive phase, as we deal with the stressor itself, and finally recovery, as we gradually return towards our normal state.

While we can label these different phases, what they actually look like can vary dramatically from person to person and situation to situation. Through cameo examples from Sara and Marlou, we see how differently these stress responses can unfold in everyday life.

For researchers, all of these phases can provide valuable information. However, Ellen explains how focusing on a particular phase of the stress response can help answer more specific questions, for example, about when and how stress may become harmful.

Finally, she discusses how her own research on age, life phases, and emotion regulation can help us understand why the timing and course of the stress response may differ between people.