A Dynamic Bidirectional System of Stress Processes: Feedback Loops Between Stressors, Psychological Distress, and Physical Symptoms

Objective: Stress processes have long been of interest to researchers. A growing body of research explores the bidirectional relations between stressors, psychological and physical states. However, research on stress processes and their individual differences from a dynamic systems perspective is still lacking. This study examined dynamic feedback loops between stressors, psychological distress, and physical symptoms simultaneously using ecological momentary assessment. Method: Three hundred and fifty-six participants completed five momentary assessments on stressors, psychological distress, and physical symptoms per day for 7 days in 2023. They also completed measures of their Big Five personality traits, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Results: Dynamic structural equation models showed positive cross-lagged and feedback effects of stressors with psychological distress and physical symptoms, suggesting their self-perpetuating loops. Agreeableness and conscientiousness were protective factors, and neuroticism was a risk factor for the stressor-psychological loop. Individuals with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms were characterized by (a) greater inertia of psychological distress and physical symptoms, (b) stronger reverse effects of psychological distress and physical symptoms on subsequent stressors, (c) significant reciprocal effects between psychological distress and physical symptoms, and (d) stronger self-perpetuating loops of stressors with psychological distress and physical symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing feedback loops to understand bidirectional relations and individual differences in dynamic stress processes, providing insights for relevant personalized interventions. Objetivo: Los procesos de estrés han sido de interés para los investigadores durante mucho tiempo. Una creciente colección de estudios explora las relaciones bidireccionales entre los factores estresantes y los estados psicológicos y físicos. Sin embargo, aún faltan investigaciones sobre los procesos de estrés y sus diferencias individuales desde una perspectiva de sistemas dinámicos. Este estudio examinó los circuitos de retroalimentación dinámica entre factores estresantes, angustia psicológica y síntomas físicos simultáneamente utilizando una evaluación ecológica momentánea (EMA, por sus siglas en inglés). Métodos: 356 participantes completaron cinco evaluaciones momentáneas sobre factores estresantes, angustia psicológica y