Stress, Brain Wiring, Empathy and Morality

By Mithu Storoni, MD, PhD
Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Is it a coincidence that people in high-octane jobs seem to have a streak of impulsivity, aggression and even unkindness? It is easy to assume that people with these character traits have simply chosen such work as their career, but is this fair? Instead, could it be that when people begin such jobs they have a completely different personality, yet over time, as chronic stress changes their brain wiring, their personality is completely altered?

Science seems to suggest the latter.

Stress shrinks key parts of the brain that affect rational thinking.