I think formative years in a tradition sense refers to from birth as thats when the major things like attachment will happen.
As an example if a baby doesn't have secure parenting e.g. there basic needs aren't meant e.g. if they're hungry they're fed, if they cry they're comforted and so on means that realistically they're happy. If these needs aren't met the baby is going to be incredibly confused and unhappy and in term they aren't going to grow up 'securely' for want of a better needs.
In terms of attachment again a baby who doesn't have secure attachments is going to be very confused and that's why these are the formative years as damage done then is going to be very hard to put right.
I could go on but im brain numb and im not sure if im making a huge amount of sense. That said there are two studies you could look up
Harlows monkeys and Ainsworth's strange situation. These both look at atttachment but are a good place to start.
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