Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence

by Robin Karr-Morse, Meredith S. Wiley, T. Berry Brazelton (Introduction)

This new, revised edition incorporates significant advances in neurobiological research over the past decade, and includes a new introduction by Dr. Vincent J. Felitti, a leading researcher in the field. When Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence was published in 1997, it was lauded for providing scientific evidence that violence can originate in the womb and become entrenched in a child’s brain by preschool. The authors’ groundbreaking conclusions became even more relevant following the wave of school shootings across the nation including the tragedy at Columbine High School and the shocking subsequent shootings culminating most recently in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Following each of these media coverage and public debate turned yet again to the usual suspects concerning the causes of violence: widespread availability of guns and lack of mental health services for late-stage treatment. Discussion of the impact of trauma on human life—especially early in life during chemical and structural formation of the brain—is missing from the equation. Karr-Morse and Wiley continue to shift the conversation among parents and policy makers toward more fundamental preventative measures against violence.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Parenting, Mental Health, Counselling, Science, Health

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Katherine Addison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be more interesting than it was. Maybe it's just that it's 20 years old, or that its conclusions seem so common-sense to me: yes, of course, the first three years of a person's life are vital to their development, and if those years are filled with abuse and neglect, the person is likely--though not guaranteed--to turn out violent, impulsive, and thus most likely to commit violent crimes. Intervention can turn a child's life around, but the earlier the better, and sometimes no amount of intervention can undo the damage done. Their prose was competent but unexciting, and I never felt really engaged by the book.

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most informative books I've read this year. It looks at cases of extremely violent children (ones who kill other people's infants, are arrested for violent crimes while under the age of 10, that sort of thing) and looks at the possible causes, focusing on about 4 months into gestation and 3 years of age.

This isn't so much a book about parenting, though, as it is about raising awareness that our country does not have an effective system in helping parents and children in less than ideal environments. While it analyzes individual reasons violence can occur (parental absence, drug abuse, trauma) it is very clear that there are many complexities as to why a child is violent. Since it is complex, helping these children is difficult. But from a preventative side, it is the best book I have read on this subject. I feel that anyone working with children on any level should read this book. Not only does it talk about how different circumstances create violent children, but children with various emotional and learning disabilities.

I do think that one could question whether some studies used are used correctly or in an unbiased manner; yet when one is discussing the prevention of harm towards children/preventing children from harming others, I don't really care.

[Reta Stutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe any one working with children in foster care should read this one

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago, and unfortunately don't remember any details now. It's about how brain damage at the prenatal level and infant stage of development can lead to the capacity for violence later on. The focus is on kids who kill, and the authors pick some case studies and talk to kids on death row and their families, to build their case that things happened very early on at the neurological level that messed up these kids' development. I remember certain things about this book being absolutely riveting and persuasive, though the authors did have a specific and limited point of view to push.

I'm touchy about a lot of teratogenic-polluted-womb talk, but I found this book's efforts to explain lack of empathy and poor impulse control through neurology and theories of brain damage fascinating when I read it. The book is ten years old now, and I'm sure there's way newer, better stuff on the subject.

This isn't the full story on psychopathy, antisocial personalities, or adolescent violence, but it's part of the mix. Wish I had it around now so I could refresh my memory....!

[Erica Whipple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever wonder where the roots of violence start? In "Ghosts from the Nursery" it takes a look at the different possible starting places of violence. It uses facts, research, and actual stories as supporting evidence of the early impacts of violence. As the book examines the stories of children and their backgrounds in which have led to the violence of their futures it explains how these factors cause the future violence. I wanted to read this book to help write my research paper on the psychological effects of child abuse. This book was very helpful in adding information to my paper since it gave stories and statistics instead of fictional information, it was a very reliable source. This book is aimed at psychologists, social workers, and maybe even people of law enforcement. It will help you to understand why violent people do the things they do, and what the cause behind their violence may be. If this seems like an interesting book to you I would recommend reading it, you will learn some great information.

[Angie Chevallier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book demonstrating how early childhood experiences can help or hurt someone for the rest of their life . While happy childhoods may last a lifetime , bad/ sad ones do too.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I thought was super interesting. I was forced to read it for my child dev psych class which is the reason why I take a star away.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good book for understanding how the violence is rooted into the basic needs being met, abuse, and neglect. Very interesting to read.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this book for my "explore anger" class. Lakeside offers this class for Act 48 credit. This is a very well researched and eye-opening book. It reveals how important considerate care and nurture is to a child's first few years of life (including the 9 months in the womb).
Basic gist: Have kids while you're married (though don't marry a crazy person), don't drink/do drugs while prego, and love your kids - then they'll be 75% less likely to be involved in a violent crime.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heavy read for the mental health professional. It can come across a little over-the-top in some cases, but I was very moved when I read this text several years ago. I do believe it helped instill me with compassion for children I work with who were biologically set up to have difficult experiences.

[Ernest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book that explains the cause and affect of early childhood trauma. What I would have liked more of is a sense that we could heal the psychological wounds, and how to do it on all levels...but maybe that's another book.

[Leah Wilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given my familiarity with the works of Dr. Bruce Perry, the bulk of information in this book was not new to me and the first couple of chapters were perhaps a bit redundant….that being said, it is extremely crucial and worthwhile reading for every one. I would absolutely recommend this book.

[Trish Lichau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who plans (or not) to be a parent, caregiver or teacher. Do not read late at night. Do not read if you wish to remain insulated and inert.

[Julianne Hyma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "must read" for every foster and adoptive parent (and all those from within the system) that support them and the children in their care!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok didn’t open the book after purchasing it, until about 3 weeks ago in preparation for Infant Mental Health endorsement exam this Friday. So apparently needed to have a timeline and strong motivation in order to finally read a book that I had intended to read and then donate to St. John’s Student Parish, where we’d been going since 2000. Even had it signed by the author, I think at a trauma informed conference right before starting with Early On, so much has changed....yet it was very intriguing to actually think about our current social and political issues within this framework of brain development and disconnection, and issues of early infancy, childhood, racial inequities, crime reform,domestic violence, child abuse and neglect in the middle of a pandemic... so many connections and thoughts.

Actually made me consider DJT’s upbringing, lack of empathy and bullying behavior, as something has truly gone wrong very early in his life and his style of leadership, or rather Power- over (thanks Brené Brown)—can’t rationally characterize this as true leadership. Anyway as is similar to the story of Jeffery’s path to death row as a 16 year old, while it does not in any way excuse his actions or negate the loss of innocent life, it gave me some empathy and understanding of the environment and context of policies and our nation and how we treat babies. Think it would be very, very interesting to do a case study re Donald’s early years.... but perhaps more encouraging it was hopeful and encouraging about our understanding about the impacts of trauma in the brain and the generational impact of not changing course as a country. Again hoping in a week’s time we’ll have made a significant pendulum swing to right the course of our nation, and at the same time I’ll have passed my exam.

Looking forward to discussing with my sister Julie and other like minded early interventionists/prevention proponents and those that want and are willing to have us seek political will to do right by our families.

[Chana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book boldly draws our attention to the infant and the development of the infant brain through the minute interactions between baby and caregivers. What happens in the infant brain if loving interaction is occurring, what happens if it is not. And how is the time of infancy related to the later mental health and behavior of the growing child and adult.
Although I think I basically knew most of this I did not know it in such forceful and convincing detail. I wish every pregnant person could be taught this information and every parent should have enough support to be able to provide the best environment for their infant. As I see the news everyday and the daily abuse and murder of babies and small children I think we are just going backwards and I am not sure why although the isolation of COVID did a lot of damage. Since most women will become mothers shouldn't girls be taught infant care and infant brain development? Shouldn't boys be taught as well since they will most likely become fathers? Education and psychology seem very "I" based. When the focus is directed outwards it is towards skills that may or may not be used by an individual in their working environment. Rarely is the education toward parenting and infant development. Parenting classes are most often used too late, after a parent has been found to be doing a poor job, has come under scrutiny by child protective services and so has been ordered to take a parenting class. Rather like the driver's classes that one takes in order to prevent a ticket from being on their record. Too little too late.

[Frrobins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good depiction of the interplay between nature and nurture and the roots of violence. It was written 20 years ago and sadly we have not done much to support families in the intervening years. I'm not sure how well some of the statistic hold up and what has changed, though I do wonder how the popularity of gentle parenting and more resources for parents wanting to break abusive cycles has impacted things. Sadly the only thing I do know is rates of children being diagnosed with depression and anxiety has continued to skyrocket, though I suspect for reasons this book does not address.

I did appreciate some insight this book gave me as to why some people focus so much on bonding as a one time event that happens at birth rather than a series of interactions between parents and their children during their formative years of life. The book posited that people confused imprinting for bonding and it was an "aha" moment for me.

Recommended for people interested in child development and who work in counseling, social services and teaching professions.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot, some of which was very alarming. Essentially the seeds of who we become are laid in the first 1000 days of life, from prenatal through age two. Of course I knew that if a child suffers abuse or neglect that experience would affect them but I didn't know by how much and at such a young age. Also if a child has an addicted, depressed or indifferent primary caregiver, that child will not develop important traits such as impulse control, the ability to regulate moods and control anger, and empathy, all necessary skills that will make for a good member of society.

Great information but it was a little dry. Anyone who is a parent, is going to be a parent or work with children should read this book.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our internet was down at work one day and my boss handed me this book to read and said it was work related. As a criminal justice major working in child welfare I would say this book is relatable to both fields and very informative. The research is getting pretty outdated at this point though. The book started out really strong but then got more dry and dull toward the end. This book would be good for any parent to read as well. I frequently found myself stopping and thinking about what I read in relation to my own children.

[Karina Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching book about the cycle of violence and the children that get lost in the system and then blamed for it as adults. The effects of violence on early brain anatomy. How the use of drugs in the womb can affect the fetus. Experiences within the womb and at birth and how they change the makeup of the brain. ADHD and ADD and how it changes the way children think and behave. Temperament. Trauma on children. The role of having parental figures (including fathers) in the lives of children. Myths about the human brain.

[Katie De · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a paper I was writing. Some of the stories were hard to read but the writing is very informative. I’m a psychology major and found this book to be very interesting. It did get pretty boring in some parts but definitely worth the time. I think it can be helpful for expecting/new mothers or even people who want children in the future. The authors provide an in-depth explanation of the development of a fetus and what factors may affect the child as well as behaviors to look for in childhood.

[Summer Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book haunted me from the time I picked it up, to when I decided I wasn’t going to finish it. I didn’t see any real solutions to the growing problem we have with child abuse and neglect in our country. This book contains graphic details that most people would not be comfortable with, so i wouldn’t recommend it personally but it is very educational and really eye opening about how crucial a child’s first year-first four years are.

[Roxanne L. Puga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This well-researched and documented report shines a light on how children become violent. It presents case studies of actual events, e.g. the 10-year-old who stomped and killed a baby in the crib. It explores how and why these horrific assaults are happening with increasing frequency. They offer convincing explanations and offer hopeful recommendations. Everyone should read this book especially those in education, politics and social work.

[Glen Ensinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

An important book to read if you want to understand the paths that lie ahead. Read with caution as it is a warning.

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of all time. It guides me in all of my decisions I make when parenting and teaching.

[Melanie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye opener to the world of trauma and the impacts it can have on children and young people for the reat of their lives.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important message, but sensationalist. Lots of citations are not really primary sources. Not a lot of solutions, lots of mother blaming rather than helping. Better books on the topic are out there.

[Hector Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required for all emerging clinicians.

[Jennifer Virgo McKinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. All true

[Jacquelyn Tagariello · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read related to early childhood development and the impact it has on society at large. The writing and research are presented in a way that is accessible to readers without a mental health or academic background.