A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND LIFESTYLE ON CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIVITY AND RECOVERY FROM ACUTE STRESS

Abstract

Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) and recovery are important physiological processes that reflect how the cardiovascular system responds to and recovers from acute stress. Elevated or blunted CVR and delayed recovery have been associated with negative cardiovascular outcomes like hypertension and coronary heart disease. This literature review examines how psychological factors, such as emotional regulation and lifestyle factors, like physical activity levels, moderate CVR and recovery. The review states the biological mechanisms of stress responses, the roles of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system, and how these interact with behavioural and environmental influences. Theoretical models like the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Allostatic Load Theory, Self-Regulation Theory, and the Biopsychosocial Model help in understanding these interactions. Together, the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Allostatic Load Theory, Self-Regulation Theory, and the Biopsychosocial Model provide an integrated framework showing that cardiovascular reactivity and recovery to acute stress are shaped not only by biological mechanisms, but also by psychological factors such as emotional regulation and coping, as well as lifestyle influences like physical activity. Emotional dysregulation is associated with exaggerated or blunted cardiovascular responses and delayed recovery. Whiston et al. (2025) found that individuals who struggle with emotional regulation show heightened cardiovascular reactivity and slower recovery following acute stress. On the other hand, effective emotion regulation and physical fitness are connected to more moderate reactivity and faster cardiovascular recovery. A study conducted by Agberotimi, Akhibi & Agoha (2025), found that effective emotion regulation (particularly lower lability) and physical activity contribute to healthier cardiovascular responses, with more moderate reactivity and faster recovery following acute stress. The findings show the need for better approaches in cardiovascular health that account for psychological resilience and healthy lifestyle behaviours in helping to reduce the effects of acute stress.