The bidirectional relationship of stress and executive functioning.

The relationship between stress and executive functioning is bidirectional and complex. This manuscript focuses on the relationship of stress and executive functioning with respect to both negative and positive outcomes. First, we highlight the negative impact of stress upon executive functioning. This is followed by a discussion of how executive dysfunction impacts the ability to recover from stress. We then move into a discussion of the positive impacts of stress upon executive functioning. Lastly, we discuss how the presence of intact executive functioning can positively impact the process of coping with stress.