Early Experience and the Life Path

This text concludes on the basis of empirical evidence that theories which ascribe overriding importance to the early years are erroneous. The authors examine the wide-ranging theoretical and practical implications of their findings. There is no indication that early experiences are unimportant; but they represent no more than the first steps in an ongoing and complex life path, on which the shaping or re-shaping of development can occur in any period.