This symposium includes three papers on toxic stress, which is the chronic experience of adversity absent the presence of a nurturing figure who can buffer these experiences. There is a solid body of research that documents the ability of individuals to emerge from traumatic experiences with new capacities, yet little is known about how interventions can intentionally support the adaptation and resilience in populations exposed to multiple adverse events. The presenters address issues of definition and measurement, explore new findings on the neurobiology of toxic stress, discuss clusters of adverse events that relate to child outcomes, and review new community interventions to mitigate the effects of stress. The presenters and discussant address implications for intervention, specifically, how evidence from across systems and disciplines can inform interventions that are intended to move individuals, families, and systems from vulnerability to resilience. 

Objectives

(1)    Participants will be able to define toxic stress and give examples of its conceptual application across neurobiological, health care, and community interventions. (2) Participants will relate adverse childhood experiences to evolving notions of toxic stress. (3) Participants will cite examples of interventions intended to reduce exposure and mitigate effects of toxic stress. (4) Participants will discuss the need to plan, build, and support sustainable (formal and informal) community supports for families vulnerable to toxic stress.