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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
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Animal studies help clarify misunderstandings about neonatal imitation
Elizabeth A Simpson1, Sarah E Maylott1, Mikael Heimann2
1Department of Psychology,University of Miami,Coral Gables,FL 33146.simpsone@miami.edusmaylott@miami.eduhttp://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/esimpsonhttp://www.psy.miami.edu/scl/people.phtml.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|January 19, 2018
Summary
Neonatal imitation is not arousal-driven and does not decline with age. Early environments shape imitation, revealing complex infant capacities beyond simple reflexes, supported by primate mirror system studies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Neuroscience
- Primatology
Background:
- Neonatal imitation is a complex behavior.
- Previous theories suggested imitation is arousal-driven or declines with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of neonatal imitation.
- To examine the developmental trajectory and environmental influences on imitation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of empirical studies on neonatal imitation.
- Review of nonhuman primate research on mirror systems and imitation.
- Examination of developmental continuity in imitation and sociability.
Main Results:
- Empirical data contradicts arousal-driven or age-related decline theories of neonatal imitation.
- Nonhuman primate studies show a functioning mirror system from birth.
- Neonatal imitation is malleable and influenced by the early environment.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal imitation is a sophisticated capacity, not merely a reflex.
- Developmental continuity exists between early imitation and later social behaviors.
- Overemphasis on arousal and reflexes underestimates infant cognitive and social potentials.
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