The Neurobiology of Stress Throughout the Life Cycle

Abstract

(from the chapter) This chapter attempts to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie responses to these stressful transitions. The magnitude of such stress must be appreciated in terms of gene-environment interaction. Adverse childhood and adult experiences, when accompanied by genetic vulnerability, may have profound consequences on human development. Moreover, even in the absence of genetic challenges, such negative events have remarkable impact on memory and the physiological and anatomical organization of the brain. There is a wide variability in how developmental tasks are approached and integrated. Yet it is clear that one central component to weathering these challenges is the meaning assigned to them which is highly influenced by previous experience in adaptation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)