Beyond “Shake It Off”: The Science of Stress and Resilience

Our experiences, relationships, and surroundings don't just shape our memories. They can get “under our skin,” influencing how our bodies respond to stress and, over time, our emotions, behavior, and health. These responses are shaped by our biology, developmental histories, and the social and environmental conditions we live in.

In this lecture, Dr. Jesslyn Chong, assistant professor of clinical psychology at San José State University and a licensed clinical psychologist, explores the biological pathways connecting our experiences with our well-being. Drawing on research in child development, psychophysiology, health disparities, mindfulness, and parenting interventions, she’ll unpack why stress affects people differently and how supportive relationships, resources, and environments can help build resilience.

Resilience involves more than willpower or how quickly we “bounce back.” Dr. Chong will explore a hopeful question: if our experiences can shape our biology, how might changes in our relationships, environments, and the support available to us, as well as how we respond to stress, create opportunities for growth and better health?

Speaker: Jesslyn Chong, San Jose State University