Distress and attention interactions in early infancy

Author(s): Rothbart, M. K., Posner, M. I.

Journal/Book: Motiv Emotion. 1997; 21: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. Plenum Publ Corp. 27-43.

Abstract: Three studies explored attentional orienting and soothing of distress in 3- and 6-month-old infants. Distress was precipitated by exposure to continuous auditory and visual stimulation, and followed by presentation of toys or computer displays to elicit soothing. In Study 1, infants calmed during 10-s toy presentations, but resumed distress equal to that prior to distraction upon toy withdrawal. Study 2 showed that distraction durations of 10, 30, and 60 s soothed infants equally during distraction, and all were followed by resumed levels of distress expression upon toy withdrawal. Study 3 found that manipulating the identity of the distracters improved soothing effects; location manipulations did not. The resurgence of distress expression following distraction suggests operation of a ''distress keeper'' an infernal mechanism that appears to maintain distress levels during distraction so that distress expression resumes following distraction.

Note: Article Rothbart MK, Univ Oregon, Dept Psychol, Eugene,OR 97403 USA

Keyword(s): PAIN; STIMULUS; CORTEX

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