Final answer:
Habituation to a repeated stressor does not increase allostatic load as the body adjusts and the stressor becomes less physiologically impactful.
Step-by-step explanation:
Allostatic load is NOT increased by habituation to a repeated stressor. This is because habituation to a stressor indicates that the body is adjusting to the presence of the stressor, thus reducing the physiological impact over time.
Allostatic load refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body's systems owing to chronic stress. It involves the physiological costs associated with the continuous adaptation to environmental demands. Frequent exposure to stressors, a slow return to baseline physiology, and even periodic exposure to minor stressors can all increase allostatic load. On the other hand, the process of habituation means that the organism becomes accustomed to the stressor and theoretically would not perceive it as stressful after an adjustment period, therefore not increasing allostatic load.