Many experts say stress is responsible for a range of health problems. Now it’s been suggested that there is a relationship between stress and brain development in children. According to neuropsychological studies, children are especially vulnerable to the effects of stress because their brains are still developing. Early exposure to stressful life events, such as domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, bullying, school exams or divorce, can impede the development of different brain regions and lead to long-term effects such as anxiety and depression, as well as a slow learning phase and poor academic performance.
In a new study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that the effects of stress on the brain structures of primary school children are detrimental, as they may impact the prefrontal function, which includes decision-making, problem-solving and memory processes.
Source: Dr. Lam Coaching
What did the study involve?
The researchers interviewed a group of children aged 9 to 14, and their parents. The children were then exposed to several stressful events and evaluated using a series of memory tests and scans. The tests measured the children’s spatial working memory and short-term memory. Activities included finding tokens in a batch of boxes.
What were the findings?
The children who were subjected to chronic stress achieved lower memory test scores. They found it more difficult to find the tokens and complete the other tests.
Brain scans also showed that a part of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a central role in memory, takes up less space in children who experienced high levels of stress. This suggests that their stressful experience has had negative effects on their ability to store long-term memory or resist forgetting.
Changes in the brain’s grey and white matter were also analysed. White matter connects individual parts of the brain so they can share information. Grey matter helps children play and develop specific abilities. Interestingly, some grey and white matter in the children’s brains appeared to be associated with high stress.
Did age play a factor?
Interestingly, there wasn’t a strong link between a child’s age and their stress response. So an older child, who would have had more stressful experiences over a longer period of time, didn’t necessarily have a higher stress profile than a younger child.
Interestingly, puberty was linked to higher instances of stress.
What does it mean?
The study has helped researchers understand how stress may impact brain development. The next step will be to find a solution to help children cope with stressful events and improve their performance and abilities.
What are the signs of a stressed child?
A stressed child may exhibit telltale signs such as:
- changes in eating habits
- problems sleeping
- irritability
- tearfulness
- changes in behaviour
If you notice your child exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Ignoring the signs can lead to long-term problems such as mental health issues and difficulty learning.
Children who are exposed to chronic stress are at risk of developing mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, as well as problems with focus and attention. The stress of learning new information or focusing on tasks is too much to bear for a child who has been subjected to long-term stress because of the damaging effects that stress has had on their brain cells. This can lead to lower grades and difficulty retaining information. In some cases, chronic stress may even lead to a learning disability.
These difficulties can impact nearly every aspect of a child's life, from their academic performance to their ability to foster positive relationships with friends and family members. In severe cases, stress may even lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviours. It is therefore crucial for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stress in their children, and to take steps to reduce the amount of stress in their lives.
Although the negative effects of acute stress, or short-term stress, are not as severe as those of long-term stress, they can still have an impact on a child's emotional responses if not addressed immediately.
How to reduce the effects of stress on children
There are many things that parents can do to reduce stress in their children's lives. The most important thing is to provide a calm and supportive environment at home. This includes setting reasonable limits, providing plenty of opportunities for positive reinforcement and avoiding punishments and criticism.
Every household should encourage children to express themselves and talk about what is bothering them. Children may be afraid to speak up for fear of being judged. Cultivating openness and honesty in your home will encourage them to share whatever is on their minds with you.
A healthy, balanced diet is also important for brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial, as they play a role in the development of the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is essential for helping them develop a positive mindset.
Finally, it's important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you're struggling to manage your child's stress levels, don't be afraid to seek professional help. A child counsellor can provide guidance and support and may recommend specific techniques or interventions to help your child cope better with stress.
Originally published on Jul 20, 2012
