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9 - Biological Systems Underlying the Development of Adaptive Functioning and Coping

from Part III - Neurophysiological and Experiential Bases of the Development of Coping

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2023

By
Christine Sigrist ,
Julian F. Thayer  and
Julian Koenig
Edited by
Ellen A. Skinner  and
Melanie J. Zimmer-Gembeck
Ellen A. Skinner
Affiliation:
Portland State University
Melanie J. Zimmer-Gembeck
Affiliation:
Griffith University, Queensland
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Summary

In the present chapter, coping and its development is considered from a dynamical biological systems perspective, drawing to the framework of neurovisceral integration. Higher order constituents of the central nervous system (CNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are assumed to be in dynamic interplay, enabling the organism to integrate information from within and outside the body and to flexibly adapt the regulation of cognition, perception, action, and physiology according to changing environmental demands. The underlying neural circuitry, primarily prefrontal and limbic structures, can thereby be understood as the core of coping. During development, and particularly in periods of heightened vulnerability, the capacity of the developing organism to adaptively deal with adverse experiences might be overstrained, resulting in an increased risk for pathological outcomes. Yet, as will be argued, a certain level of exposure to adversity may be required to enable later adaptive functioning, and thus coping.

Keywords

Biological systemsneurovisceral integrationautonomic nervous systemcentral nervous systemprefrontal controldevelopmentadverse experiencesadaptive functioningcoping
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of the Development of Coping , pp. 235 - 245
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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