War is one of the greatest stresses anyone could ever encounter yet it also often leads to deep human friendships and incredible acts of heroism and sacrifice for one other. In my research with returning veterans, I have often heard them speak of the tight bond that occurs between servicemembers on the battlefield — one of the most stressful situations that exists. Countless soldiers have perished running into a line of fire to save an injured brother-in-arms. Some believe that it these experiences of profound human bonding that, despite the acute anguishes of war, makes some veterans long to return to war.

If stress leads to bonding, why then do we sometimes experience stress as making us cranky? The cause may be explained by a difference between acute and chronic stress. We know from research by Robert Sapolsky that acute stress prepares the body for resistance (physiological readiness, increased immune response, and heightened awareness) but that chronic stress slowly beats down the body. It may be that “acute” stress, i.e. a one-time stressful experience may lead to social bonding, as shown in the study, but that “chronic” stress, i.e. repeated exposure to stress over a long period, might wear us out. More research is needed to thoroughly examine the impact of chronic stress on social behavior.

Acute stress may help remind us of a fundamental truth: our common humanity. Understanding our shared vulnerability — life makes no promises — may be frightening, but it can inspire kindness, connection, and desire to stand together and support each other. Acute stress, as unpleasant as it may be, may also be an opportunity to experience the most beautiful aspects of life: social connection and love.

Are you a scientist who specializes in neuroscience, cognitive science, or psychology? And have you read a recent peer-reviewed paper that you would like to write about? Please send suggestions to Mind Matters editor Gareth Cook, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist at the Boston Globe. He can be reached at garethideas AT gmail.com or Twitter @garethideas.

5 Comments

1. 1. Jose53 04:04 PM 11/7/12

   The ancient arab proverb may be the answer if "stranfer" is a natural disater: "I against my brother, my brothers and I against my cousins, then my cousins and I against strangers"

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2. 2. Jose53 04:05 PM 11/7/12

   I mean "stranger"

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3. 3. JaenS 04:18 PM 11/7/12

   It's noteworthy that persons not experiencing stress will react with shunning or more overt forms of cruelty toward stressed individuals - it often gives them pleasure.

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4. 4. Petra 07:44 PM 11/7/12

   The theory sounds better on paper than in real life. A quick review of what happened following Haiti's M 7.0 January 2010 quake found men not necessarily pulling together but very aggressive; rape was on an outrageous scale while women and children found their food and water stolen by the "overbearing sex" during an extreme disaster.
   
   And in present times in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy what are people saying? They are afraid of leaving their homes because men are coming around in vans during the night looking to steal their property.
   
   But hey, put some moola on the table and in a matter where profit could be jointly acquired, they don't mind being cooperative.

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5. 5. UELinMexico 11:49 AM 11/12/12

   studies done in the wake of earthquakes & hurricanes show that there is a time limit on "pulling together"--about three days at the disaster site. after that, the dregs begin to take over.

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