The Orchid and the Dandelion by W Thomas Boyce review – which are you?

Are you sensitive or resilient? This study by a paediatric health expert considers why children with the greatest potential are also the ones most likely to falter

Some people seem to have terrible childhoods and yet manage to thrive despite them. Others grow up in loving homes but suffer from mental and physical health difficulties, even if their siblings do not. Why?

Research shows that about 15 to 20 % of children experience well over half of the recorded psychological illnesses. The remaining 75 to 80 % are comparatively healthy. This pattern continues into adulthood, and appears to be true for children around the world.