The Development of Stress Reactivity and Regulation in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Adversity experienced in early life can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. One pathway in which these effects occur is through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key physiological stress-mediating system. In this review, we discuss the theoretical perspec- tives that guide stress reactivity and regulation research, the anatomy and physiology of the axis, de- velopmental changes in the axis and its regulation, brain systems regulating stress, the role of genetic and epigenetics variation in axis development, sensitive periods in stress system calibration, the social regulation of stress (i.e., social buffering), and emerging research areas in the study of stress physiolo- gy and development. Understanding the development of stress reactivity and regulation is crucial for uncovering how early adverse experiences influence mental and physical health.

Thematic Selection: Stress and Stress-related Disorders Developmental and Neuroendocrine Aspects of Stress and Stress-related Disorders (Part 1)

“…A total of four review articles focus on developmental aspects of stress. The first two articles by Nicolaides et al [ 21 ] and Filetti et al [ 22 ] provide a multifaceted overview of the developmental neuroendocrinology in children and adolescents with a specific focus on the regulation of stress reactivity and child development and behavior. The next two articles by Xenaki et al [ 23 ] and Cullen et al [ 24 ] offer a developmental take on the role of stress and environment and the importance of stress-related research in the neurobiology of psychosis by two expert research groups in the field.…”