Abstract
Developmental researchers studying how stress affects health have often focused on specific, individual, physiological parameters such as cortisol. Yet, recent theories of stress biology emphasize that the stress response is multi-faceted and engages distinct yet interconnected physiological systems, including metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular systems that respond to one another. Moreover, advocates of a systems approach also argue that the confluence of changes across several physiological systems presents a health risk, even when one indicator alone is not predictive of health outcomes. Allostatic load is one potential multi-system indicator of stress, capturing the cumulative, physiological burden of chronic stress exposure on the body. At the same time, studying allostatic load during early development raises several issues, including how allostatic load is operationalized, the clinical importance of commonly used biomarkers during distinct periods of development, and the fundamental role of timing. In this review paper, we discuss the potential of allostatic load in the context of studies of stress in developmental science, review developmental studies that have assessed allostatic load, and articulate critical conceptual questions regarding the study of allostatic load during the childhood years.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
