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Tactual exploration by normal infants
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Infants explore their bodies through touch starting at specific ages and in a predictable sequence. This study tracked the onset of tactual exploration in normal newborns.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Behavior
- Sensory Exploration
Background:
- Early tactile exploration is crucial for infant development.
- Understanding the sequence of body exploration provides insights into developmental milestones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age of onset for tactual exploration of various body parts in normal infants.
- To identify a potential sequence in the development of self-touch behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 100 normal infants to record the age of onset for finger exploration of body parts (torso, knee, foot, penis).
- Daily observations of 12 newborns during the first three days of life to assess exploration of facial and head regions (mouth, face, head, ears, nose, eyes).
Main Results:
- The age of onset for tactual exploration of different body parts was recorded.
- A distinct sequence in the development of self-exploration behaviors was observed.
- Facial and head exploration was noted within the first three days of life.
Conclusions:
- Normal infants exhibit a defined age of onset for exploring body parts via touch.
- The sequence of tactual self-exploration appears to be consistent in typical infant development.