Narrative review on the relationship between toxic stress and occupational performance in early childhood

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood is a crucial stage for human development during which the environment significantly influences brain formation and functioning. Adverse experiences during this period can trigger toxic stress, which in turn may hinder the achievement of developmental milestones. Objective: This study aims to describe the main adverse childhood experiences that lead to toxic stress in children aged 0 to 6 years, also considering their implications for mental health and occupational performance. Method: A narrative review was conducted using the databases Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, and Psychology Database. Ten relevant articles were selected for analysis. Results: The search revealed that poverty, child violence, and discrimination are the three most common adverse experiences generating toxic stress. Additionally, protective factors that can mitigate the impact of these adverse experiences, thereby strengthening childhood resilience, were identified. Among these factors, positive parenting characteristics stand out as the primary protective element. Conclusion: Although a direct relationship between toxic stress and occupational performance was not found in the reviewed literature, it is concluded that the latter is indirectly affected because of its connection with mental health and child development – key aspects of participation in daily activities. This underscores the importance of expanding research in the field of occupational therapy, as it can significantly contribute to the promotion and prevention of mental health in childhood.