title: Effects of appraisal and coping on the neuroendocrine response to extreme stress.
abstract: Although many people are exposed to extreme stress, only some of them develop psychobiological disturbances that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other posttrauma psychopathology. This paper examines the effects of different types of appraisal and coping to find clues to how individuals differ in their neuroendocrine responses to extreme stress. It proposes a conceptual model for components of the adult response to stressors. Threat appraisal and defensive coping may play crucial roles in determining the neuroendocrine response to trauma with potential mental health consequences, particularly PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychological Trauma, Academic Medical Center/De Meren, University of Amsterdam, Tafelbergweg 25, 1105 BC Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.olff@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Miranda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olff
authors.forename: Willie
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Langeland
authors.forename: Berthold P R
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Gersons
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000378:metabolism*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology