The brain actively adapts to stress – special role of the visual cortex and the forebrain has been identified

A joint study by the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, the University Medicine Halle, and the University of Münster shows that resilience—that is, the ability to remain mentally stable despite stressful events—is not a fixed state, but rather depends on active changes in the brain. The findings, published in the journal Science Partner Journal (SPJ) Research, show that more resilient people process visual information more efficiently: They react faster, make fewer mistakes, and demonstrate better-coordinated collaboration among relevant brain regions. 

In particular, the interaction between the frontal lobe and the visual cortex plays an important role. In resilient individuals, the frontal lobe—which is responsible for control and decision-making—exerts greater control. Thanks to better cognitive control of the visual cortex, its activity is less random and disorganized. 

The findings suggest that resilience is linked to specific neurobiological processes and may be trainable. In the long term, these insights could help develop new approaches to the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental health conditions. 

Read the full press release here and access the publication directly here.