How Poverty Changes the Brain, Which Changes Everything

In this session, participants take part in a short simulation, in which they experience first hand how poverty changes the brain. Coping with poverty overwhelms the brain and impairs its executive function; it also narrows a person’s focus down to the immediate, urgent demands. Participants understand in an entirely new way how “poor” decisions make perfect sense.

Following this exercise, we cover the brain science basics in layperson’s terms. What happens when a person has less access to their mental resources? Not only does chronic mental stress affect decision-making, it also influences the person’s physical health in surprising ways. The impact of the poverty environment – both physical and social – greatly affects physical health, aside from a person’s health behaviors.

In the last segment, we show different ways to apply this knowledge to real life work situations. A person receives help differently when coping with poverty is commanding their time, energy, and resources. For example, a person is much less interested in a short term action that leads to a long term benefit, if they are struggling with meeting basic needs today. Using an evidence-based list of factors, participants learn how to find effective ways to help clients in poverty.