Effects of Childhood Stress Can Accumulate in the Body


 

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

Author(s):

Research Area: Population and demographics

Keywords: Behavioral development; Child development; Health intervention

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The results of this study indicate that, for children, chronic stress gets built into the body, and its cumulative effects are linked to increased physiological risk of long-term health problems. Findings regarding the effects of allostatic load provide a link between adverse environments and impaired reactions to stress, greater behavioral problems, and poorer academic achievement.