A toxic stress response occurs when an individual experiences constant, extreme stress without any protective factors. It leads to powerful, frequent, prolonged, and unpredictable activation of the brain's stress response which can have several adverse effects on the individual. 

Xavier University

3 Types of Stress Responses

Thompson, R.A. (2014). Stress and child development. The Future of Children, 24(1). www.futureofchildren.org. 

Stress and child development 

Carrion, V.G. & Wong, S.S. (2012). Can traumatic stress alter the brain? Understanding the implications of early trauma on brain development and learning. Journal of Adolescent Health, 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.04.010.

Can traumatic stress alter the brain? Understanding the implications of early trauma on brain development and learning.

A positive response to stress is a short and predictable physiological state. Its strength is mild to moderate. 

Positive Response to Stress

A tolerable stress response is moderate to severe in severity. The response typically occurs when one is exposed to an abnormal event that i is adverse and/or threatening. These situations are typically temporary or occur when a person has protective factors aiding them. 

Learn Before

Related