Aanya Sareen

The Effects of Stress on Cognitive and Emotional Function

Started Sept. 20, 2023

Abstract or project description

Throughout all stages of life, stress is an almost inevitable experience, differing in severity and manifestation depending on individual circumstances and environmental factors. Stress is defined as a state of worry or tension caused by a difficult situation, influencing how people behave. Stress is dimensional and can present itself in numerous forms, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and daily stress. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the negative effects of stress on cognitive and emotional function in order to encourage earlier identification of such issues. Daily stress encompasses everyday challenges such as caring for a child or unexpected malfunctions. Daily stressors are considered minor; however, they occur on approximately 40% of all days and more than three-quarters of adults report symptoms of stress, including fatigue and headaches. Despite their seemingly benign nature compared to other forms of stress, daily stress is associated with many adverse health outcomes. Individuals experiencing these stressors account for reduced overall subjective health and increased physical health complaints. The cumulative impact of these mild hassles may prompt long-term health ramifications, indicating the need to acknowledge and address everyday stress rapidly. On the other hand, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in individuals exposed to a series of traumatic events or circumstances, such as natural disasters, sexual assault, or historical trauma. PTSD is a chronic condition that impacts around 3.5% of U.S. adults each year, with a lifetime prevalence of 8% among adolescents aged 13-18. Along with daily stress, it is incredibly important to identify the presence of PTSD as it can seriously impair an individual’s ability to function in their daily life. Stress can employ detrimental effects on cognitive and emotional function, reducing mental clarity and increasing vulnerability to anxiety. Cognitive functioning encompasses mental processes of perception, comprehension, memory, reasoning, judgment, intuition, and language. Crystallized and fluid intelligence are utilized to identify and express patterns of cognitive change over a lifespan. Crystallized intelligence refers to skills and abilities that are well-practiced and familiar, such as vocabulary and general knowledge. Compared to kids, older individuals tend to perform better in this category as it relies on the accumulation of information based on one’s experiences. Fluid intelligence concentrates on abilities regarding problem-solving and reasoning, processing speed, and memory. Generally, fluid cognitive capabilities peak around the third decade of life and then slowly decline in the years following. Overall, adults are frequently more cognitively mature and efficient in the early stages of learning, compared to children. They are able to use abstract thinking to comprehend knowledge indirectly, while children rely mainly on their sensory experience to understand. Additionally, emotional functioning consists of multiple domains surrounding one’s expression, perception, and conceptualization of emotions. Emotional regulation consists of three valuation systems: the detection of emotion, the identification of emotion regulation strategies considering internal and external factors, and the implementation of these strategies into specific behaviors most suitable for the situation. Adults generally have better control of their emotions and can regulate their emotional responses more effectively than children. Emotional development in adolescents is a biological process driven by physical and cognitive changes, recognized due to an increased ability to assess and manage emotions. Over time, adolescents can develop abstract thinking skills that not only allow them to acquire knowledge cognitively, but enable them to examine their emotions and consider the consequences before acting rashly. However, excessive amounts of stress can impair such processes and developments, resulting in diminished cognitive abilities, emotional instability, and a reduced capacity for effective problem-solving and interpersonal relationships, which this paper seeks to explore.