Stressors and children's health

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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
09:39

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

M Grey1

  • 1School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6096.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|April 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Childhood stressors significantly increase illness risk, but the exact relationship needs further study. Understanding psychophysiological pathways, like immune function changes, is key for effective interventions and nursing care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Psychosomatic Medicine
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Stressors in childhood are linked to physical and psychological health issues.
  • Existing research shows a correlation between high life event frequency and increased illness, hospitalization, or healthcare utilization.
  • The precise nature and strength of this association remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the association between childhood stressors and health outcomes.
  • To explore the multidisciplinary perspective on these relationships.
  • To identify areas for future research, particularly regarding psychophysiological pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining stressors and child health.
  • Multidisciplinary analysis of existing research findings.
  • Identification of consistent findings and knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

  • Children experiencing more stressful life events are significantly more likely to experience illness, hospitalization, or use health services.
  • A consistent association is reported, but the exact nature and strength of the relationship require further elucidation.
  • Potential psychophysiological pathways, possibly involving altered immune function, are suggested.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationships between stressors, health, and psychophysiological pathways in children.
  • Investigating the interplay of neurological, endocrine, immune systems, and behavior is crucial.
  • Understanding these psychosomatic phenomena can lead to improved nursing care for children.

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