Bringing basic research on early experience and stress neurobiology to bear on preventive interventions for neglected and maltreated children
Date
2006
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Development and psychopathology
Abstract
A major focus in developmental psychopathology is on understanding developmental mechanisms and, armed with
this information, intervening to improve children’s outcomes. Translational research attempts to bridge the distance
between understanding and intervention. In the collaborations that have formed the core of our research network on
early experience, stress, and prevention science, we have focused on translating basic research on early experiences
and stress neurobiology into preventive interventions for neglected and abused children. Our experiences in
attempting to move from bench to bedside have led us to recognize the many challenges that face translational
researchers. This review provides a brief synopsis of the animal model literature on early experience and stress
neurobiology from which we glean several key bridging issues. We then review what is currently known about the
impact of childhood neglect and abuse on stress neurobiology in human adults and children. Next, we describe how
this work has informed the evaluation of our preventive interventions with maltreated children. Finally, we discuss
several considerations that should facilitate a more complete integration of basic research on early experience and
stress neurobiology into preventive intervention strategies.
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Keywords
stress neurobiology, child abuse, intervention, research
Citation
Gunnar, M. R., & Fisher, P. A. (2006). Bringing basic research on early experience and stress neurobiology to bear on preventive interventions for neglected and maltreated children. Development and psychopathology, 18(3), 651-677.