Early Childhood: Key Factors in Healthy Brain Development & Adjustment
A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.516Keywords:
early childhood brain development, developmental systems approach, experiential canalization, socioeconomic status, attachment, caregivingAbstract
Early childhood is a key period in life in which significant neurological, cognitive, social, and emotional development occur. This literature review works to discuss two related and innovative theories of childhood brain development, known as the developmental systems approach and experiential canalization, applying these theories to interpret the essential roles of socioeconomic status and caregiving and its attachment relationships on early childhood brain growth. Specific studies, literature reviews, and recent innovative research on childhood development is included in order to further discussions of current implications and connections, as well as possible future research. By analyzing results and applying the mentioned developmental theories, this review provides a new perspective for poverty and adverse experiences, discussing new potential avenues for new interventions involving caregiving, environmental changes, and adaptive trade-offs, to bring about poverty reduction and mitigate early caregiving adversity.
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