a theory that explains psychosomatic disorders as a maladaptive physiological and psychological response to constant stressors. When a person is exposed to high levels of stress without effective coping skills, their body remains in a state of chronic arousal, manifested by high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, and other symptoms. The theory suggests that differences in coping styles between people, such as actively coping, avoiding, or suppressing stress, largely determine the likelihood of developing psychosomatic disorders.