Neuroplasticity and poverty

One of the more fascinating topics from the Biological Approach is neuroplasticity. The IB Psychology Guide states that the development of neural networks is the results of both genetic and environmental influences. The article “The Lasting Impacts of Poverty on the Brain” provides links to two important studies: Mani et al. (2013) which investigates how poverty impedes cognitive function and Kim et al. (2013) which explores the effects of childhood poverty and chronic stress on brain function. These studies argue that poverty can impose a mental burden akin to losing 13 IQ points and children raised in poverty can experience problems in regulating their emotions as adults.