How Childhood Stress Shapes Adult Trajectories

Abstract

This paper explores adult outcomes resulting from positive and negative stress experienced in childhood. It investigates the link between physical, mental, and financial wellbeing as an adult and its correlation with childhood experiences, considering adult intervention as a buffer for developing successful coping mechanisms. The research details the interconnection between tolerable and toxic stress experienced at a young age and the lasting lifelong implications of adaptation for future growth or maladaptation resulting in further stress. The paper proposes interventions that can be made early in children’s lives to lay a foundation for successful trajectories into adulthood. The paper also includes real-world scenarios from an adult who experienced ongoing stress as a child to serve as a supporting example for the manuscript.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2025

Senior Project Advisor

Heather Roy

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis - Murray State Access only

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