Question

Research indicates that the more adverse childhood experiences (ACE's) a person has, the worse a person's health outcomes are likely to be. According to Dr. Burke Harris, this is because:

1) A person who has experienced trauma is more likely to engage in behaviors such as smoking and drinking, which lead to the development of diseases
2) A person who has experienced trauma has higher cortisol levels, and is therefore more susceptible to diseases
3) A person who has experienced trauma is more likely to have an unhealthy stress regulation response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which lead to the development of diseases

Answer 1

The adverse health outcomes associated with ACEs are linked to risky behaviors, elevated cortisol levels, and the unhealthy stress regulation response in the HPA system, all of which can increase the likelihood of developing various diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research indicates that the more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) a person has, the worse their health outcomes are likely to be. According to Dr. Burke Harris, individuals with higher numbers of ACEs are more likely to have lasting effects on their physical and mental health. Three key reasons for this are:

1. A person who has experienced trauma is more likely to engage in behaviors such as smoking and drinking, leading to the development of diseases.
2. Increased cortisol levels associated with trauma exposure lead to higher susceptibility to diseases.
3. An unhealthy stress regulation response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system can develop, resulting in a greater likelihood of disease.

Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including heart disease, impaired immune function, and an increased risk of mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.