Rethinking Concepts and Categories for Understanding the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Childhood Adversity

Discovering the processes through which early adverse experiences affect children's nervous-system development, health, and behavior is critically important for developing effective interventions. However, advances in our understanding of these processes have been constrained by conceptualizations that rely on categories of adversity that are overlapping, have vague boundaries, and lack consistent biological evidence. Here, we discuss central problems in understanding the link between early-life adversity and children's brain development. We conclude by suggesting alternative formulations that hold promise for advancing knowledge about the neurobiological mechanisms through which adversity affects human development.

Automated summary

Understanding the processes through which early adverse experiences affect children's nervous-system development, health, and behavior is crucial for developing effective interventions. However, current conceptualizations are limited, and alternative formulations are needed to advance knowledge about the neurobiological mechanisms through which adversity influences human development.