This book attempts to map the influence of early stressful experiences on later life outcomes, studying the trajectories of stressors over the life course. It examines the ramifications of stressful events at key life course transition points, and explores the diversity of outcomes for individuals who have suffered through trauma. Finally, the book suggests new methods for study of stress and adversity through the life course, where issues of timing, ordering, and sequencing of stressors are crucial.