Neglect
Extensive scientific evidence has shown that severe neglect and chronic under-stimulation in an institutional setting (i.e. orphanage) can lead to abnormalities in the way that the brain is structured. “Neglect – also sometimes referred to as deprivation – refers to the absence of sufficient attention, responsiveness, and protection that are appropriate to the age and needs of a child. Severe Neglect In An Institutional Setting – features 'Warehouse-like' conditions with many children, few caregivers, and no individualized adult-child relationships that are reliably responsive. Basic survival needs may be met, but lack of individualized adult responsiveness can lead to severe impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development.” [15]
The effects of severe neglect are built into the child's brain architecture causing weak and damaged neural circuitry. Severe neglect is especially damaging in early childhood (birth – 6 years old) when the brain is rapidly developing. This damage creates significant lifelong learning, behavior, physical and mental health problems. [9] [10]
Severe neglect and chronic under-stimulation are two serious problems that need to be addressed in institutional settings in developing nations. These problems lead to toxic stress and abnormal brain development, creating life-long serious consequences not only for the individual but also for society. [15] [9] [10] Addressing these problems will play a pivotal role in ending the cycle of poverty. [30]
There are currently over 153 million orphaned children in the world, the majority of whom are currently experiencing toxic stress , severe neglect, and chronic under-stimulation. [19] [22]
The effects of severe neglect are built into the child's brain architecture causing weak and damaged neural circuitry. Severe neglect is especially damaging in early childhood (birth – 6 years old) when the brain is rapidly developing. This damage creates significant lifelong learning, behavior, physical and mental health problems. [9] [10]
Severe neglect and chronic under-stimulation are two serious problems that need to be addressed in institutional settings in developing nations. These problems lead to toxic stress and abnormal brain development, creating life-long serious consequences not only for the individual but also for society. [15] [9] [10] Addressing these problems will play a pivotal role in ending the cycle of poverty. [30]
There are currently over 153 million orphaned children in the world, the majority of whom are currently experiencing toxic stress , severe neglect, and chronic under-stimulation. [19] [22]
Problems associated with children who have experienced severe neglect:
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Abnormal
• Brain structure and function • Brain activity involved in emotion and stress regulation • Development of biological stress response systems • Physical development Difficulty • Interpreting facial expressions to identify emotions • Recognizing different emotions in others • Controlling impulses • Attention regulation • With visual memory • With peer interaction [15] |
Delayed
• Brain growth • Physical growth • Language skills Increased Risk • Cardiovascular disease • Infections • Premature death • Stress-related diseases throughout life • Emotional and behavioral problems • Personality disorders • Anxiety • Depression • Cognitive problems • Academic delays • Antisocial personality disorder • Being arrested for a violent crime |
Decreased
• Neural electrical activity • Brain metabolism • Enthusiasm • Confidence • Assertiveness • Reading skills Underdeveloped • Neural connections • Executive functions • Brain regions used for thinking, learning, focusing attention, controlling emotions, and managing stress |
The images below are examples of severe neglect leading to toxic stress and demonstrate the physical way that severe neglect and toxic stress affect physical development.
