The pervasive daily stress of poverty and its resulting impact on brain development may help explain which of the following outcomes in children?

• A. Enhanced memory and attention span
• B. Greater resilience to all forms of stress
• C. Increased risk for cognitive and emotional difficulties
• D. Lower susceptibility to mental health disorders

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which involves the impact of chronic stress due to poverty on brain development in children.
2. Step 2: Recognize that chronic stress, especially from poverty, can affect brain areas responsible for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
3. Step 3: Recall psychological research findings that link prolonged stress exposure to increased vulnerability to cognitive impairments and emotional difficulties, rather than enhancements or resilience.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each option by comparing it to established psychological evidence: enhanced memory and attention span or greater resilience are less likely outcomes under chronic stress conditions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most supported outcome is an increased risk for cognitive and emotional difficulties, as chronic stress negatively impacts brain development and mental health.