Childhood stress and its impact on learning and academic performance

Abstract

Stress has become a potential source of threat in the growth and development of children, having both short-term and long-term effects. Unremitting stress in children has an impact on the autonomous and endocrine system, thereby bringing about interference in learning, transfer of learning, and memory. While culture plays a vital role, the triggers of stress can be both external and internal. The child’s interaction with their immediate environment and the child’s own abilities to counteract the stressful situation also play a vital role. Interventions aimed at changing the way children perceive stress can go a long way towards optimizing their potential in dealing with stressful situations.