Final answer:
Stress disrupts homeostasis, potentially causing homeostatic imbalance and leading to physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses with negative health impacts, including psychophysiological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Any situation that upsets homeostasis and threatens one's physical or emotional well-being is defined as stress. Homeostasis is a condition in which a system, such as the human body, is maintained in a more-or-less steady state. When homeostatic mechanisms fail, it can result in homeostatic imbalance, where variables in the internal environment are no longer maintained within normal ranges, potentially leading to disease or illness.
Stress induces a physiological response designed to handle acute physical threats, but chronic or psychological stress can have negative health consequences such as increased susceptibility to heart disease and impaired immune system function. Stressors can range from traumatic events to daily life changes requiring adjustment. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to psychophysiological disorders, where there is cumulative wear and tear on the body affecting overall health.