The title derives from Sapolsky’s premise that for animals such as zebras, stress is generally episodic (e.g., running away from a lion), while for humans it is often chronic. Many wild animals are less susceptible than humans to chronic stress-related disorders such as ulcers, hypertension, decreased neurogenesis and increased hippocampal neuronal atrophy. Social phenomena such as child abuse and chronic stress of poverty affect biological stress, leading to increased risk of disease and disability.
Random Citizen 