Goldberg & Associates has conducted a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles covering the last 80 years of scientific research on the subject of stress. This endeavor was motivated by two primary factors. First, the growing prevalence of stress disorders in children and adolescents highlights the critical need to understand stress as a vital factor in child and adolescent development.
Second, and notably, the existing literature on parental alienation has largely overlooked the impact of stress on childhood mental illness, a significant oversight that necessitates further scrutiny and criticism of those who continue to propagate the theory of alienation (Gardner, 1985).
While it is impossible to credit all the scientists who have contributed to this expansive field, we have strived to present the most relevant research that impacts childhood behavior. This includes exploring the influence of stress on the child’s brain development and the outcomes of acute and chronic stress on children between the ages of 5-17.
Key Contributors and Their Research
Kim et al., 2019: This research focused on stress levels related to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and neuroendocrine hormones, particularly glucocorticoids. These hormones significantly impact child and adolescent behavior, even at minimal stress levels, by affecting mood, cognition, and physical health.
Kim & Diamond, 2002; Burrage: These studies provided foundational definitions of stress, elucidating its multifaceted nature. Stress, as defined, is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.
Rajita Sinha (2012) and Amy Arnsten: Sinha’s contributions have been pivotal in understanding stress, while Arnsten has extensively researched the stress signaling pathways disrupted by stress. Their work collectively emphasizes the complex interplay between stress and brain function, particularly in contemporary times.
Klapp, S.T., 2019: Klapp discusses the psychological refractory period, which is associated with stress slowing down the processing of information. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in understanding how stress can impact cognitive functions in children and adolescents.
Heatherton, Todd, Wagner & Dillon, 2011: This group has contributed significantly to the understanding of stress, particularly in the context of its psychological and physiological effects.
Acute vs. Chronic Stress and Stress Disorders
It’s essential to distinguish between acute stress, which is short-lived and often a response to immediate threats, and chronic stress, which is prolonged and can have more severe effects on physical and mental health. Chronic stress, especially when uncontrollable or severe, can lead to various stress disorders. One of the most well-known of these disorders is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but there are others, including acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and stress-related somatic disorders.
Importance of Considering Stress in Childhood Development
Understanding the impact of stress on children is crucial. Stress affects not just their current mental and physical well-being but also has long-term implications for their development. The research highlighted by Goldberg & Associates underscores the need to integrate these scientific findings into broader discussions about child and adolescent behavior, particularly in contexts like parental alienation.
The failure of parental alienation theory to incorporate scientific data on stress and its effects represents a significant limitation in its approach. By neglecting the role of stress, parental alienation theory overlooks a fundamental aspect of a child’s psychological and physiological response to their environment. This omission is not just a gap in understanding but a critical oversight that can lead to misinterpretation of a child’s rejecting behavior.
In conclusion, the comprehensive review of stress research by Goldberg & Associates highlights the need for a more integrated approach in understanding child and adolescent behavior. The findings from this body of research offer compelling evidence that stress is a critical factor that must be considered in any analysis of child behavior, particularly in challenging situations like parental alienation. This integration is not only essential for a more accurate understanding of these cases but is also imperative for developing more effective intervention strategies.
Stress Research Videos
The Neurobiology of Prefrontal Cortex and its Role in Mental Disorders
Amy Arnsten: The Prefrontal Cortex, and How It Responds to Stress
Brain and Behavior – The Neurobiology of Emotion and Stress
The devastating, underdiagnosed toll of toxic stress on children
Stressed – A Documentary Film | 4K OFFICIAL