Abstract
Early life infant-caregiver attachment is a dynamic, bidirectional process that involving both the infant and caregiver. Infant attachment appears to have a dual function. First, it ensures the infant remains close to the caregiver in order to receive necessary care for survival. Second, the quality of attachment and its associated sensory stimuli organize the brain to define the infant's cognitive and emotional development. Here we present attachment within an historical view and highlight the importance of integrating human and animal research in understanding infant care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 643-655 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Clinics in Perinatology |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attachment
- Odor
- Premature infants
- Sensitive period
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology