Innate intersubjectivity: newborns' sensitivity to communication disturbance
1School of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom. E.Nagy@dundee.ac.uk
Developmental Psychology
|November 13, 2008
Summary
Newborns adjust behavior based on social interaction. Even brief communication disruptions cause distress and lasting effects, indicating innate social expectations in infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Behavior
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Successful interpersonal relating is vital for well-being and growth.
- Early social interactions shape infant development.
- Understanding infant social expectations is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how human neonates respond to changes in social responsiveness.
- To examine infant reactions to communication disturbances.
- To determine if newborns possess innate expectations of social interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the still-face paradigm with 90 human neonates (3-96 hours old).
- Observed behavioral adjustments in response to an unresponsive interaction partner.
- Assessed changes in eye contact and signs of distress.
Main Results:
- Neonates adjusted behavior when the interaction partner became unresponsive.
- Newborns decreased eye contact and showed distress during unresponsiveness.
- Distress and behavioral changes persisted even after interaction resumed (spillover effect).
Conclusions:
- Newborn infants actively monitor social interactions.
- Infants exhibit distress and behavioral changes following communication disruptions.
- Results suggest innate expectations regarding interpersonal interaction rules in neonates.
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