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Allostasis and the developing human brain: Explicit consideration of implicit models

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 October 2011

Barbara L. Ganzel*
Affiliation:
Cornell University
Pamela A. Morris
Affiliation:
New York University
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Barbara L. Ganzel, Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853; E-mail: blg4@cornell.edu.

Abstract

We previously used the theory of allostasis as the foundation for a model of the current stress process. This work highlighted the core emotional systems of the brain as the central mediator of the relationship between stress and health. In this paper, we extend this theoretical approach to consider the role of developmental timing. In doing so, we note that there are strong implicit models that underlie current developmental stress research in the social and life sciences. We endeavor to illustrate these models explicitly as we review the evidence behind each one and discuss their implications. We then extend these models to reflect recent findings from research in life span human neuroscience. The result is a new set of developmental allostatic models that provide fodder for future empirical research, as well as novel perspectives on intervention.

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Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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