Eva Rass addresses the highly controversial question of what is more decisive: environmental factors or genetics. The structure of the developing human brain reflects lived experience. Particularly the first 18 months are of utmost importance; affect regulation and the quality of attachment play a key role in this process. The book begins with the biology of pregnancy and presents the subsequent phases of life as a continuum. It becomes clear that life design is shaped by active development even in adulthood. Experienced child therapist Eva Rass synthesizes the latest developments in attachment and affect regulation theory, social neuroscience, and developmental-oriented psychoanalysis. Her findings are evidence-based. Target audience: pediatricians, child psychiatrists, children.