Stress is defined as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation. Stress is simply produced by something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety (n.d.). Factors that cause stress, otherwise known as stressors, stem from problems found in life, work, etc. Stress is a response that is caused by a demand. There are those who believe that stress is introduced in adulthood, especially the younger generation that makes the decision to venture off on their own by leaving the comfort of home and the care of parents. Others understand that stress is birthed much at the much younger age of adolescence. The daily struggles of full day …show more content…
According to NoBullying.com, one in 65,000 between the ages of 10 to 14 years of age commit suicide every year. Considering that there are over 70 million children in the United States alone that would equate to some average of 1000 children that commit suicide in the U.S. It is quite chilling to know that children at such a young age make such chilling choice. Unfortunately, suicide seems to be glorified and even considered heroic by those who choose to end their life due to a sickness as we have seen in recent times. Such advertisement only fuels the idea to the younger generation to believe that it is okay to end their life because they cannot cope with stress. They ultimately believe that it is simply a sickness that can never be cured.
Effect of Stress on Physical Development
Stress can also cause problems in the physical development of a child. High stress suppresses the release of growth hormones resulting in psychosocial dwarfism (Berk, 2010). Such syndrome causes a disorder of short stature and can affect and delay the developmental process of childhood to adolescence, which include puberty. Furthermore, stress in childhood may precipitate and maintain health problems related to the common cold, infectious diseases, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, epileptic seizures, leukemia, and cancer (Johnson, 2004).
Reversing the Effects of Stress …show more content…
It is important to know that not all forms of stress are bad, however the common denominator associated with stress is that stress produced negative outcomes. With this being a factual point, stress can cause major problems in child development. During pregnancy, stress demonstrated by a mother can greatly affect the unborn child, which can ultimately lead to retardation. Stress in children can also cause emotional stress like eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. Stress can greatly affect the physical development in children as well. It can deter a healthy growth resulting is dwarfism and ultimately causes sicknesses up to extreme ailments like cancer. Furthermore, the effects of stress can be reversed in children through ability of resiliency and the use of love and empathy. Studies indicate that there are needs for more research in stress and children. One study concludes that pediatricians may play a larger role than they recognize in symbolizing hope, as reliable and trustworthy helpers whose beliefs and values remain unsullied by stressful events (Sparrow, 2007). Pediatricians play an important role in the development of children and for many, are involved in their growth for many years. Such involvement from pediatricians can ultimately help educate parents on how to help their children cope and deal with stress