Final answer:
Physiologically, stress is defined as the body's response to any demand, characterized by a range of physical reactions intended to help cope with potentially threatening situations. However, interpretation of stress varies widely among individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the lecture, stress is defined physiologically as the response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by or results in pleasant or unpleasant conditions. This definition recognizes stress as the body's physiological reaction to any demand that is placed on it, thus capturing the essence of stress as a complex process that includes our physical responses to challenges in our environment. The physiological responses to stress can manifest in various ways, such as an accelerated heart rate, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems, which all signal that the body is preparing to deal with potentially dangerous or threatening situations.
It's important to understand that while the physiological basis of stress involves these reactions, our interpretation and appraisal of stressful events play a significant role in how we experience stress. The lecture might further explain that prolonged or repeated stressors can have serious health implications, potentially leading to psychophysiological disorders such as hypertension or weakened immune system functioning.