Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Toxic stressors refer to prolonged or repeated exposure to severe and uncontrollable stress during childhood, which can have detrimental effects on physical development.
Related terms
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): ACEs refer to various traumatic events experienced during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction.
Allostatic Load: Allostatic load is the cumulative wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress over time.
HPA Axis Dysregulation: HPA axis dysregulation refers to an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating the body's response to stress.