Intraindividual variability in infant behavior

Author(s): vanGeert, P., Hoijtink, H.

Journal/Book: Develop Psychol. 1999; 35: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc. 1102-1112.

Abstract: Longitudinal observational data of infant crying, fretting/fussing, and smiling and the time spent in physical contact with the mother were used in a study on behavioral variability. The infants were followed weekly for a 15-month period. Evidence was found of an important intraindividual variability in the studied behaviors, specifically between the ages of 0 and 5 months, 5 and 10 months, but not between 10 and 15 months. Results are discussed and analyzed in the light of earlier literature. The possible functions and the factors underlying variability in development as well as its methodological implications are discussed.

Note: Article van Geert P, Univ Groningen, Heymans Inst, Dept Psychol, Grote Kruisstr 2-1, NL-9712 TS Groningen, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES; CRYING PATTERNS; DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS; NEONATAL BEHAVIOR; 1ST YEAR; TEMPERAMENT; STABILITY; COORDINATION; LIFE; IRRITABILITY

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