Vulnerability has become the focal point of much theory and research in the study of psychopathology. Until now, however, work on child and adult disorders has largely been conducted separately, with little cross-communication of knowledge on risk factors across the lifespan. This important work brings together leading clinical researchers to lay the foundations for an integrative lifespan perspective on biological, psychological, and social-contextual processes of vulnerability. Filling a crucial need, the volume demonstrates ways that the vulnerability construct can lead to genuine progress in understanding not only the genesis of psychological symptoms, but also their prevention and treatment.