From childhood experience to stress resilience: mechanisms and interventions

Abstract

Stress resilience refers to the positive adaptation under stress. Both negative and positive childhood experiences are associated with resilience. This narrow review summarizes evidence to illustrate the association between childhood experience and resilience. Then, we propose an integrated framework for outlining the connecting mechanisms between childhood experience and resilience, including the stress response system supported by hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, stress coping skills, and stress coping resources. Within this framework, we also address potential interventions based on improving childhood experiences, modulating the stress response system, enhancing coping skills, and enriching coping resources. Finally, we provide insights into resilience measurement and training, as well as research gaps.