Question

In child abuse/prolonged activation of stress response systems during developmentally sensitive periods disrupts brain, neuroendocrine, and immune development. This is known as:

a) Toxic stress
b) Healthy development
c) Positive reinforcement
d) Neglect

Answer 1

Prolonged activation of stress response systems disrupting development is known as toxic stress. It affects brain, neuroendocrine, and immune development and has long-term health consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prolonged activation of stress response systems during developmentally sensitive periods that disrupts brain, neuroendocrine, and immune development is known as toxic stress. This type of stress can have detrimental effects on children's development, leading to numerous health issues later in life. Unlike acute, short-term stress, chronic stress does not resolve with a physical action and thus can affect nearly every organ system, including the immune system. The science of psychoneuroimmunology studies how stress impacts the interplay between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, offering insights into the harmful consequences of toxic stress that go beyond the immediate stress reaction.