Date of Award
1-1-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Education
First Advisor
Richard S. Balkin
Second Advisor
Stephanie Lusk Smith
Third Advisor
Amanda Winburn
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The foundations of mental health and well-being are built in the first five years of life. Early childhood toxic stress (i.e., repeated, excessive, or prolonged activation of the body’s stress response systems) can undermine children’s sense of safety, sense of stability, and ability to form healthy relationships. The damaging effects of toxic stress can disrupt the normal course of brain, immune, and metabolic development, placing children at increased risk for mental and physical health problems that can last into adulthood. Counselors are uniquely qualified to help prevent and treat early childhood toxic stress. Yet, gaps between counseling theory, research, and practice hamper progress towards this goal. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, I aim to bridge the gaps using the following strategic aims to identify effective interventions: 1) focus on the critical/sensitive period of development occurring during the birth to five period; 2) leverage developmental science spanning biological, socioecological, and psychological frameworks; and 3) advance health equity work.
Recommended Citation
Neal Keith, Sheerah, "The Efficacy of Interventions Aimed at Reducing Early Childhood Toxic Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2554.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2554