Development

Child development is an interactive process shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors over the first decades of life. One key building block of child development is self-regulation–– the ability to exercise control over thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Children develop the capacity to manage their feelings and actions in the moment with support from their caregivers, extended families, and communities.

Early Experiences

Childhood is a remarkable period, during which the developing brain exhibits enhanced plasticity (or sensitivity) to the world around them. Exposure to both positive and negative life experiences can “get under the skin,” shaping children's brain development and the way they process information and respond to their environments.

Resilience

Resilience refers to positive outcomes in the face of adversity. Resilience is built from a combination of protective factors, ranging from biological makeup to social environments.

Scientific research suggests that the following factors promote resilience:

Supportive relationships with adults
Safe opportunities to build self-regulation and other core life skills
Engaging with cultural or faith traditions

About DEER Lab

The DEER lab is dedicated to learning more about the child, family, and community factors that promote social and emotional well-being. Using a variety of scientific methods, we study how early experiences can set children on paths to very different outcomes as adults.

We are committed to using scientific evidence to:

Help develop effective and accessible strategies for treating mental health concerns in underserved communities.
Advocate for public policies that give children and their families the support needed to thrive!