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Related Experiment Videos

Multiple functions of proximity seeking in infancy

D F Hay

    Child Development
    |September 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary

    Infant proximity seeking serves multiple functions beyond attachment, including environmental learning. It

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    Area of Science:

    • Developmental psychology
    • Ethology
    • Comparative psychology

    Background:

    • Proximity seeking is a key infant behavior.
    • Its functions in mother-infant attachment are debated.
    • Existing theories include distress alleviation, attachment formation, and predator protection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review evidence for proposed functions of infant proximity seeking.
    • To differentiate functions based on species and developmental stage.
    • To examine environmental learning as a potential function.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on infant proximity seeking.
    • Analysis of evidence across different species and contexts.
    • Theoretical differentiation of proposed functions.

    Main Results:

    • Proximity seeking may have varied functions across species and time.
    • It does not appear to be a specialized adaptation or reliable attachment index.
    • It facilitates exposure to social and environmental stimuli.

    Conclusions:

    • Proximity seeking is a general mechanism for social and environmental exploration.
    • Current analysis units in social development may need re-evaluation.
    • Moving beyond individual response classes is recommended.

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