In contrast to normal or tolerable stress, which can build resilience and properly calibrate a child’s stress-response system, toxic stress is caused by extreme, prolonged adversity in the absence of a supportive network of adults to help the child adapt. When it occurs, toxic stress can actually damage the architecture of the developing brain, leading to disrupted circuits and a weakened foundation for future learning and health.
压力如果是正常或是在可以接受范围内的，儿童可以建立一个正确应对压力的反应机制。有害的压力是指孩子在长期生活在艰难严酷的环境之中，同时得不到成人有效的帮助。一旦孩子持续经受这样有害的压力，发育的大脑就会受到损害，这对将来的健康以及学习能力都有非常不好的影响。