Good topic..... My personal opinion is that at an early age we still haven't developed a sense of self and who we are. The children at an early age that are nurtured, loved and supported are more than likely going to grow and have a strong confident sense of who they are.

Likewise, the ones that are put down, teased, made fun of and not given a loving support system are more likely going to carry these negative attributes into adult hood.

When I was a kid I was put down for my looks. I had acne really bad and was called pizza face. I had people around me that acted like they were my friends but really weren't, I wasn't invited to parties and was told that no one liked me. I'm 42, and I'll be 43 in about a week. I still have these memories, still see them as clear as day, and still believe them to be true. I believe all these are the reasons I have major depression, borderline personality, generalized anxiety, and while not diagnosed, I do believe I have minor ptsd.

I also believe genetics play a factor, as well, because there are some that can go through the same experiences many of us had, and it makes them a stronger and better person.

That's my take!!