early life hypothesis

The early life hypothesis suggests that the environments and experiences we have during our formative years—such as childhood and adolescence—significantly influence our long-term health, behavior, and development. Positive early experiences can promote resilience and well-being, while adverse conditions like stress, neglect, or poor nutrition may increase the risk of health problems, mental health issues, or social challenges later in life. Essentially, our early years set the foundation for our future, shaping our physical, emotional, and psychological growth in meaningful ways.