Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have conducted the most comprehensive review to date of research on the effects of stress on children and adolescents. The findings show that exposure to stress early in life affects many aspects of health and behavior—and does so differently than in adults.

The review was published in the journal Annual Review of Psychology and highlights that the impact of stress in children can manifest simultaneously in mental, physical, and cognitive development, as well as in social adaptation.

According to the review, stress experienced as early as the prenatal period or in the first years of life can have long-term effects on a child’s health. It influences not only mental well-being—such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, and emotional regulation—but also physical health, including respiratory function and overall resistance to illness.

The researchers note that many previous studies examined the effects of stress in isolation—for example, focusing only on behavior or only on memory—whereas children often face multiple stressors at the same time, whose effects are interconnected and complex.

The authors emphasize that children exposed to the same stressors may respond very differently. These differences are explained by the child’s age, ability to regulate emotions, the quality of relationships with caregivers, and environmental conditions, including school and neighborhood. Parental support and a supportive social environment can significantly mitigate negative effects, while chronic instability and adverse conditions increase the risk of psychological and behavioral problems.

The review underscores the importance of early intervention and preventive programs aimed at reducing children’s exposure to stressors. Such measures can improve not only short-term health outcomes but also reduce long-term risks of chronic diseases, learning difficulties, and problems with social adaptation later in life.