Chronic exposure to stress hormones can lead to changes in a child's brain development and functioning, which is referred to as toxic stress.
The right-hand side of the brain is in charge of imagination, emotions and visual awareness (creative). The left-hand side is responsible for language, number skills, reasoning, and scientific skills. The two sides of the brain communicate and modulate through a structure in the middle of the brain called the “corpus callosum”.
The five main subtypes of child abuse and neglect are physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, neglect, sexual abuse, and witnessing family violence.[1] Abuse and frequent parental conflict can cause chronic stress in children.
The developing (infant or child's) brain is most vulnerable to the impact of traumatic experiences.[2]
Research on brain development demonstrates that high and ongoing exposure to stress, can shrink the corpus callosum (the ability for the left and right-hand side of the brain to communicate) and also damage brain cells.[3]
Toxic stress seems to develop this way:
• Raised levels of the “stress hormones” called “cortisol” and “adrenaline” are produced in response to stressful stimuli such as exposure to neglect, abuse, frequent parental conflict or family violence.
There are many different situations that children may find stressful which may trigger their fight or flight stress response. Some children may find certain situations more stressful than others;
• Chronic or frequent stress can result in chronically high levels of the stress hormones which can lead to “toxic stress” and consequential physiological changes to the brain. Toxic stress damages brain cells called neurons and can shrink the corpus callosum. Toxic stress and a consequential smaller corpus callosum can mean that each side of the brain is less able to communicate. This may lead to a reduced ability to solve problems and an underdeveloped and less functional brain. It’s not surprising that toxic stress is associated with poor mental health such as depression and anxiety in addition to behavioural issues.[4]
• Some research indicates that chronically high levels of stress hormones can cause a reduction in immune efficiency, so the stressed individual may get sick more often;
• A research report from the Centre of Diseases and Control and Prevention showed that people who experience 6 or more adverse situations (for example an instance of abuse, neglect or exposure to family violence), have a higher chance of developing chronic disease (for example heart disease) in adulthood.[5]
Some research suggests that if children have just one parent who is attentive, caring and responsive, children may experience stress as tolerable rather than toxic stress. The take home message is that you may not be able to change your ex’s behaviour but you can change your own behaviour and the environment in your home to do your best to prevent your children from developing toxic stress. [6]
By reducing a child’s exposure to stress, they are more likely to develop a healthy, normally functioning brain and have a better chance of success in life.
For a brief YouTube video on the consequences of toxic stress on children, please watch: https://youtu.be/yiglpsqv5ik
Disclaimer: This blog contains information, not advice. Information can become outdated. Consider obtaining legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances if you have child-related legal inquiries.
[1] The Effects of Child abuse and Neglect for Children and Adolescents: https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/effects-child-abuse-and-neglect-children-and-adolescents
[2] Perry, B D, 1997, ‘Incubated in terror: neurodevelopmental factors in the “Cycle of Violence”’, in J D Osofsky, ed., Children in a Violent Society, Guilford Publications, New York.
[3] Ibid
[4] Cynader, M S and Frost, B J, 1999. ‘Mechanisms of brain development: neuronal sculpting by the physical and social environment’, in D P Keating and C Hertzman, eds, Developmental Health and the Wealth of Nations: Social, Biological and Educational Dynamics, Guilford Press, New York.
[5] Youtube: KQED NEWSROOM: How “Toxic Stress” Affects Children’s Health
[6] Ibid
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