Story perspectives

Adversity Can Foster Skills Amidst Childhood Poverty, Experts Say

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bruce Ellis, a University of Utah psychology professor, says poverty-driven toxic stress can hinder children's development and lower academic performance, while fostering adaptive skills.
Research shows children from harsh environments excel in working memory updating and attention shifting.
Brian Higgins, a mental health advocate from Salt Lake City, recalls The Troubles in Northern Ireland, where hypervigilance helped him thrive in chaos.
Both stress the potential strengths that adversity can yield.

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Story summary

Bruce Ellis, a University of Utah psychology professor, says poverty-driven toxic stress can hinder children's development and lower academic performance, while fostering adaptive skills.
Research shows children from harsh environments excel in working memory updating and attention shifting.
Brian Higgins, a mental health advocate from Salt Lake City, recalls The Troubles in Northern Ireland, where hypervigilance helped him thrive in chaos.
Both stress the potential strengths that adversity can yield.