The principles of Nurturing Care promote human capital and mitigate adversities from preconception through adolescence

Bibliographic Data

ID21880179
AuthorsMaureen M Black (0000-0002-6427-4639, University of Maryland, Baltimore, corresponding author), Jere R Behrman (0000-0001-7835-6283, University of Pennsylvania), Bernadette Daelmans (0000-0001-9044-9693, World Health Organization), Elizabeth L Prado (0000-0002-5388-081X, University of California, Davis), L M Richter (0000-0002-3654-3192, University of the Witwatersrand), Mark Tomlinson (0000-0001-5846-3444, Queen's University Belfast), Angela C B Trude (0000-0002-2881-1089, University of Maryland, Baltimore), Donald Wertlieb (0000-0002-8400-1064, Tufts University), Alice J Wuermli (0000-0001-6054-741X, New York University), Hirokazu Yoshikawa (0000-0001-5607-8526, New York University)
Year2021
Volume6
Issue4
Pagese004436
Publication date2021-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004436
PMID33875519
OpenAlexW3156476634
LanguageEN
Citations received30
References cited41

A comprehensive evidence-based framework is needed to guide policies and programmes that enable children and adolescents to accrue the human capital required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper proposes a comprehensive, multisectoral, multilevel life-course conceptualisation of human capital development by building on the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF), originally developed for the foundational period of growth and development through the age 3 years. Nurturing care (NC) comprises stable environments that promote children’s health and nutrition, protect from threats, and provide opportunities for learning and responsive, emotionally supportive and developmentally enriching relationships. NC is fostered by families, communities, services, national policies and beyond. The principles apply across the life course, endorse equity and human rights, and promote long-term human capital. This paper presents an evidence-based argument for the extension of the NCF from preconception through adolescence (0–20 years), organised into six developmental periods: preconception/prenatal, newborn/birth, infancy/toddlerhood, preschool, middle childhood and adolescence. The proposed framework advances human capital within each developmental period by promoting resilience and adaptive developmental trajectories while mitigating negative consequences of adversities. Attaining the SDGs depends on strengthening human capital formation, extending throughout childhood and adolescence and supported by NC. Embedded in enabling laws, policies and services, the dynamic NCF components can mitigate adversities, enhance resilience and promote the well-being of marginalised groups. The life-course extension of the NCF is strategically positioned to enhance human capital, to attain the SDGs and to ensure that children or adolescents are not left behind in reaching their developmental potential

Child development · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Economic growth · Economics · Human capital · Life course approach · Political science · Psychological resilience · Sustainable development · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Psychology · Social Psychology

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