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Psychology Colloquia

30  October 2007


Title

"Parental Responsiveness and Sensory Stimulation in Social and Toy Play with Infants"
 

Speaker

Nicole McCray, M.A.  is a 4th year student in Developmental Psychology. Her research interests include parent-infant interactions and early intervention. Her academic advisor is Dr. Lynne Koester.
 

Time & Venue

4:10pm GBB L14.
 

Abstract

The period from birth to three years of age is characterized by rapid development in emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains. Positive play interactions with responsive partners promote development within these domains and enhance the growing bond between parent and child (Landy, 2002; Tamis-LeMonda, Katz, & Bornstein, 2002). While the responsibility for initiating these interactions falls initially to the parent, toddlers begin to take a more active role and contribute significantly to the direction and maintenance of play as their physical and cognitive capacities increase (Power, 2000). When structuring play interactions, parents must consider the child’s sensory preferences in order to optimize the play interaction for both partners. Each child varies in the way his/her nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input. If caregivers understand the meaning of their child’s behavior and are successful at constructing daily routines that match their child’s sensory needs, children are free to enjoy the interaction without becoming over or under aroused (Dunn, 2004). This study examined the role of sensory stimulation in toy play interactions between young children (9-18 months) and their caregivers. Specifically, this study used a video-recorded free play interaction to determine specific infant behaviors associated with the level of sensory stimulation provided by the play environment and the amount of stimulation provided by play partners. Parental responsiveness to infants’ sensory preferences in play was also examined. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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last revised 1 October 2007
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