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Beyond Adversity: Definitions, Retrospective Assessment, and Experimental Manipulation of Positive Early-Life
Erica Berretta1,2, Martina Rizzuti1,2, Laura Petrosini2
1Department of Human Sciences, Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi, 00193 Rome, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Positive early-life experiences significantly impact health and well-being. This review synthesizes methods for assessing and promoting these crucial experiences, highlighting their role in neuroplasticity and adaptive functioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adverse early-life experiences have well-documented detrimental effects on health and psychological well-being.
- Research has developed various tools to assess early adversity and its neurobiological consequences.
- The role of positive early-life experiences in biobehavioral development and adaptive functioning is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review current definitions of positive early-life experiences.
- To synthesize tools for the retrospective assessment of positive early-life experiences.
- To examine experimental approaches for manipulating and promoting positive early-life experiences in humans.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review synthesizing existing literature.
- Analysis of definitions, assessment tools, and experimental paradigms.
- Focus on time-sensitive and individual-centered approaches.
Main Results:
- Identified current definitions and assessment tools for positive early-life experiences.
- Reviewed experimental strategies for promoting positive experiences.
- Highlighted the importance of neuroplasticity and multi-level interactions.
Conclusions:
- Advocates for a time-sensitive, individual-centered approach to studying positive early-life experiences.
- Emphasizes the integration of neuroplasticity and dynamic interactions for health and well-being interventions.
- Calls for increased empirical and theoretical attention to positive early-life experiences.
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