Final answer:
Dr. McGonigal's concept likely refers to Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome, a three-phase process our bodies use to handle stress, aimed at restoring homeostasis and preparing for future threats, although chronic stress can lead to health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The built-in mechanism for stress resistance that Dr. McGonigal might be referring to is the body's ability to activate the general adaptation syndrome, as discovered by Hans Selye. This syndrome details a three-phase process: the alarm reaction where the body initially responds to stress, the stage of resistance where the body adapts to sustained stress, and finally, the stage of exhaustion which is reached if the stress continues for too long, leading to a depletion of the body's resources. The stage of resistance illustrates the body's innate mechanism to adapt and manage the stress before reaching a point of exhaustion.
The concept suggests that our physiological systems work in tandem to restore homeostasis and to prepare for future threats, which is a fundamental aspect of survival. This mechanism includes an increase in heart rate, modulation of various bodily systems, and can impact long-term health if these stress responses become chronic, as they may lead to psychophysiological disorders and other health problems.