Stress and Child Development Flashcards
What does thompson argue with regards to stress and child development?
Children are biologically designed to rely on early social experiences to guide the organization of their biological systems.
What is the characteristics of resiliency and plasticity of infants?
Biological resilience is crucial for survival
Infants demonstrate metabolic and perceptual adaptability in response to early stressors
Adaptability may also create biological changes
In utero, maternal depression is linked to what?
Linked to increased cortisol levels at 3mo.
What factors cause the disruption of the HPA axis?
Low SES
Maternal depression
Emotional unavailability of mother
What does a disrupted HPA lead to?
Heightened vigilance and self-regulation problems
Poor emotional self-regulation
Poor social functioning
Decreased concentration
Decreased memory
Decreased focus and attention
Increased emotional reactivity
Decreased self-regulation
What are some important factors affecting the outcome of stress on child development?
Nature of the events
Child’s vulnerability/resiliency
Availability of support
Effects of prior experience on coping mechanisms
What are two possible outcomes from early childhood stress?
Hyper-vigilance
Hypo-responsiveness
Define Epigenetics.
The effect of environmental factors on biological function (genetic expression)
What is toxic-stress?
Harm is a function of the nature of the child, the nature of the experience and the Epigenetic effects
What is the biological response to stress?
Energy allocated to threat vigilance
Strong reactions to dangers perceived
Rapid mobilization of energy
Altered immune function
That energy is not going towards normal learning, cognition and social adaptation
What are “ Two generation” Programs?
Focus on relationships, not necessarily bio parents
Targeting non-bio parents and caregivers can reduce negative impact of stressors sourced with biological parents
