Question

question 3
toxic stress is best defined as:
when the immune system and cardiac system are negatively affected
adverse childhood experiences
prolonged ptsd without treatment
the effect of an overwhelming or increased arousal of the internal alarm system that can wear down the body and mind over time

Explanation:

Toxic stress is a concept in psychology. It occurs when a child experiences intense, frequent, or prolonged adversity without adequate adult support. This leads to an over - activation of the body's stress response systems (the internal alarm system). Over time, this chronic activation can have harmful effects on the body (such as on the immune and cardiovascular systems) and the mind (e.g., cognitive and emotional development).

• The first option only mentions negative effects on two systems but doesn't capture the root cause of the stress response activation.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often the triggers for toxic stress, but they are not the definition of toxic stress itself.
• Prolonged PTSD without treatment is a different psychological condition. While it may involve stress responses, it is not the same as the general concept of toxic stress.
• The last option correctly describes toxic stress as the result of an overwhelming or increased arousal of the internal alarm system (the stress response) that can have cumulative, harmful effects on the body and mind over time.

Answer:

The effect of an overwhelming or increased arousal of the internal alarm system that can wear down the body and mind over time.