Building Core Capabilities for Life : The Science Behind the Skills Adults Need to Succeed in Parenting and in the Workplace

Abstract

Adults need certain capabilities to get and keep a job, provide responsive care for children, manage a household, and contribute productively to the community. When these skills have not developed as they should, or are compromised by the stresses of poverty or other ongoing adversity, our communities pay the price. But where do these capabilities come from and how do they develop? How can we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to develop them? This report combines research from the biological and behavioral sciences with practical, on-the-ground knowledge from working with adults and families to provide effective solutions for helping individuals develop more effective skills for coping with adversity.