Stress contagion

Stress contagion

Topic

Heard in 1 episode across 1 show since Jul 2026

Stress contagion is a psychological and physiological phenomenon where an individual's stress response is triggered or elevated simply by observing or interacting with another stressed person. This form of social and emotional contagion can manifest as synchronized physiological markers, such as mirrored heart rates or cortisol levels, particularly among closely bonded dyads like mothers and infants or coworkers. Research indicates that individuals with higher levels of dispositional empathy are often more susceptible to absorbing the stress of those around them.

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Episodes

1
across 1 show

First heard

Jul 2026

Expert statements

1
1 negative

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What experts have said about Stress contagion

1 statement · 1 negative

  1. Darby SaxbeNegativeJul 27, 2026· Modern Wisdom

    Partners’ cortisol levels are positively linked within cohabiting couples.

    “when one person has higher cortisol, their partner has higher than usual cortisol as well”

    Listen at 1:02:52

    Open the episode · The Painful Psychological Cost Of Becoming A Dad - Darby Saxbe - #1129
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Episodes

1 episode featuring Stress contagion, newest first