How can stress affect wound healing?

Stress has a significant impact on wound healing, largely because it can disrupt the body’s hormonal and immune responses. When an individual experiences stress, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol can impair the immune system's ability to function effectively, making the body less capable of combating infections that can arise in or around wounds.

Additionally, stressful situations can lead to behavioral changes that hinder healing, such as poor eating habits or decreased activity levels. This impairment of immune function, combined with hormonal changes, can slow down the body's natural repair processes. As a result, wounds may take longer to heal, and there's a higher risk of complications, such as infections. Overall, the physiological effects of stress on hormonal balance and immune response clearly illustrate why the option stating that stress can alter hormonal responses, impair immune function, and hinder the healing process is correct.