Early experiences and psychological development: conceptual questions, empirical illustrations, and implications for intervention.

This paper reviews alternative conceptual and descriptive models of how early exposure to risk may predict later development. Particular attention is paid to the methodological and data analytic strategies for differentiating among the models. Example empirical illustrations of human studies are then provided that highlight the potential significance of early experiences for behavioral/emotional development. Finally, implications of these models of early experiences for intervention and prevention are examined and identified as an important methodological tool for further research.