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Spontaneous eye blinking in human infants: a review

Leigh F Bacher1, William P Smotherman

  • 1Department of Psychology, Oswego State University, Oswego, NY 13126, USA. bacher@oswego.edu

Developmental Psychobiology
|March 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous eye blinking may indicate dopamine system activity. Research in humans and primates suggests further study in infants could reveal early central nervous system development insights.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Spontaneous eye blinking is a recognized indicator of central dopamine system activity in adults and nonhuman primates.
  • Existing research provides a foundation for exploring blinking patterns across different human age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on spontaneous eye blinking and its connection to central dopamine systems.
  • To propose empirical methods for investigating spontaneous eye blinking in human infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on spontaneous eye blinking in humans (adults, children, infants) and nonhuman primates.
  • Discussion of methodologies for future infant research.

Main Results:

  • The existing body of research supports the investigation of spontaneous eye blinking in human infants.
  • Further research is needed to understand the developmental trajectory and mechanisms of infant blinking.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous eye blinking warrants further empirical investigation in human infants.
  • Such research may offer novel insights into early human development and central nervous system activity.

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