Key idea: Hard early experiences raise risk, but many children do well: that is resilience.
Risks
- Poverty: stress, poor diet, fewer books and toys
- Trauma: abuse, neglect, violence
- Unstable care
Protective factors
- One caring adult
- Easy temperament, problem-solving
- Support from school or community
Werner and Smith followed every child born in 1955 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, for 40 years. About one in three of the high-risk children grew into competent, caring adults, usually with at least one adult who cared for them.
Watch out: Risk is not fate. Say how protective factors change the outcome.
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Key idea: Trauma early in life can shape how a child sees themselves and others, but later care can change the path.
What early trauma can affect
1
The stress system
A body that stays on alert, quick to fear and anger.
2
Trust
Expecting others to hurt or leave, which makes relationships harder.
3
Self-esteem
Seeing oneself as unworthy or to blame.
4
Learning
Stress makes it harder to concentrate and remember.
Stress · Trust · Self · Learning
What supports it
- Romanian adoptees: timing matters (3.2.1)
- Kauai: risk raises problems
- Long follow-up studies
Where to be careful
- Natural experiments, not random groups
- Adults recalling their childhood
- Many children are resilient
Watch out: Risk is not fate. Every answer about childhood experiences needs resilience.