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Published on: May 3, 2017
Unexplained infant crying: an evolutionary perspective
1Department of Psychiatry and The Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, USA. mah6@columbia.edu
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 13, 2002
Summary
Infant crying may have evolved from the larynx's physiological functions, serving as an early warning signal. This evolutionary perspective offers new insights into understanding and treating infant colic.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Psychology
- Physiology
Background:
- Infant colic is a common, puzzling condition with similar features across cultures.
- The larynx, initially a protective valve, has evolved for various physiological roles.
- Previous research has not fully explored the evolutionary origins of infant crying.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary perspective of infant crying.
- To explore the physiological functions of the larynx in infant vocalizations.
- To understand the link between infant calling and maternal retrieval behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Examined the laryngeal function in rat pups during hypothermia recovery.
- Observed vocalizations emitted by isolated rat pups.
- Analyzed sensory cues and neuromodulatory systems involved in infant calling.
Main Results:
- Unconscious rat pups emitted calls effective in eliciting maternal retrieval.
- Infant calling appears to be derived from primitive physiological laryngeal functions.
- Sensory input from social interactions regulates infant calling via central neuromodulatory systems.
Conclusions:
- Infant calling may have evolved as a communicative signal from basic laryngeal functions.
- The study provides a new evolutionary framework for understanding infant crying.
- Findings suggest novel approaches for studying and treating unexplained infant crying.
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