What is the body's response to change known as?

The body's response to change is known as stress. Stress is a physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when an individual perceives a demand or threat that exceeds their ability to cope. This response can be triggered by various factors, including environmental changes, emotional challenges, and physical demands. When faced with change, the body activates the stress response, commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response, which involves the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This hormonal action prepares the body to react to the change, enhancing alertness and physical capabilities but can also lead to various negative health outcomes if stress becomes chronic.

Other responses such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue can be associated with stress but do not represent the overall concept of the body's response to change. Pain is a specific sensation indicating harm or potential injury, anxiety is a more psychological state often related to fear or apprehension about the future, and fatigue refers to a state of exhaustion that can result from prolonged stress but is not synonymous with the overarching concept of stress itself.