Question

studies of maltreated children suggest that excessive stress - hormone levels in early childhood ____.
return to normal levels once the source of the stressor is gone
permanently damage brain pathways
reduce emotional reactivity in adulthood
activate important cognitive networks throughout the brain

Explanation:

Research in the field of psychology shows that chronic stress (such as maltreatment in childhood) can lead to long - term changes in the brain. Excessive stress - hormone levels in early childhood are associated with permanent damage to brain pathways. Once the stressor is removed, stress - hormone levels may not fully return to normal in cases of chronic early stress. Chronic early stress is more likely to increase rather than reduce emotional reactivity in adulthood. And while stress can activate some brain responses, it is not in the sense of activating "important cognitive networks" in a positive, healthy - brain - development way.

Answer:

permanently damage brain pathways