Tiffany is 8 months old. Her mother and father don't get along well. There is often fighting in the house that frightens Tiffany. What effect might this environment have on her brain development?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to stress and fear can cause damage to the developing brain, particularly in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a critical role in the regulation of stress hormones and assists with memory function. Thus, Tiffany's hypothalamus may grow more slowly than normal due to the stressful environment in which she lives.

Tiffany Is 8 Months Old