Stress and Adversity over the Life Course

Although stress occurs at every stage of life, much research studies its effects over short-term periods, typically within circumscribed life stages. Little attention has been given to the possibilities that the consequences or impact of stress depend critically on the timing in the life course in which the individual is exposed to the stress, and that the sequence of prior stressors acts as a context for these effects. This book attempts to map the influence of early stressful experiences on later life outcomes, studying the trajectories of stressors over the life course. It examines the ramifications of stressful events at key life-course transition points, and explores the diversity of outcomes for individuals who have suffered through trauma. Finally, the book suggests methods for study of stress and adversity through the life course, where issues of timing, ordering and sequencing of stressors are crucial.