Kristin Bernard - Early Adversity in Child Development

Kristi Bernard, an assistant professor at Stony Brook University, discusses her research on early adversity and its impact on children's development. She highlights the role of the HPA axis and cortisol in stress response and the importance of identifying mechanisms and protective factors. Bernard emphasizes the critical role of responsive parenting and describes interventions like the ABC program to support parents in nurturing their children, potentially mitigating the negative effects of early adversity.

What is early adversity and what types of experiences can it include?

How does early adversity affect children's development?

What are some outcomes associated with exposure to early adversity?

What are the implications of atypical cortisol levels in children exposed to adversity?

What role do parents play in protecting children from the effects of adversity?

What is the attachment and biobehavioral catch (ABC) program and how does it support parents?

How can interventions help reshape problematic trajectories resulting from early adversity?