Discusses the two major theoretical traditions from which the ideas discussed in the Noam (PS 524 984) and the Cicchetti (PS 524 985) articles in this issue are drawn. Describes their divergences from traditional Piagetian and attachment theorists, and the approaches each has taken to common themes in their work. Concludes by setting out…

This article, a commentary, discusses questions and issues generated by 7 articles (see records EJ750759, EJ750761, EJ750764, EJ750765, EJ750767, EJ750768, and EJ750769) on the relationship between attachment theory and research, and psychotherapy and clinical assessment. The issues include the following: attachment-based therapeutic…

Discussed in this ERIC Digest are the quality of infant day care and aspects of the debate on infant attachment. Characteristics of current infant day care provisions are reported. Program quality is discussed in terms of: (1) structural features, such as group size, staff-child ratios, caregiver training, equipment, space; (2) dynamic aspects,…

This presentation underscores the importance of play and outlines a theory of play in terms of ego-psychology and a broadly defined concept of culture. Play is described as the royal road to the collective ego called "culture." At the same time play also enables aspects and parts of culture to be changed. While children should be encouraged to…

Asserts that all behavior is result of individual-group interaction, determined by attachment to and identification with various groups to which one belongs. Presents this social cohesion as a function of member's levels and types of group involvement. Describes types ranked according to degree of involvement (identification, alienation, autonomy,…

Describes common separation reactions of children in school settings. Discusses the identification of these reactions and presents suggestions for teachers for preventing or handling separation problems. (BD)

This editorial reviews and comments on three recent studies: two on assessment issues or areas of diagnostic difficulty for pediatricians concerned with child abuse and neglect, and one on the long-term effects of childhood abuse and experiences of early attachment. (DB)

This chapter argues for the essential role of culture in forming the basic constructs and theories of developmental psychology. The case is made for the need to overcome the cultural insularity of core developmental concepts and methods in order to create a psychology that is more truly universal.

Ecology is the relationship between persons and their environment. A caring ecological relationship is dynamic, able to be affected by the internal environment of the person and by the people/animal/plant/object external environmental surround in which a person lives. This paper attempts to examine the nature of ecology and how to facilitate the…

The issue of whether or not the basic principle guiding the placement of Australian children in need of care is applied in practice is addressed in this expanded seminar paper. It is pointed out that the principle stating that the child's welfare should be of paramount concern has been incorporated into Australian legislation in the Adoption Act…

The role played by neuroembryological forces in shaping brain development is well documented in Nowakowski's (1987) article. Additional mechanisms whereby experience may influence brain structure and function are outlined. Several routes exist by which postnatal experiential influences may produce long-term alterations in behavior and…

Temperament and attachment, as defined by Bowlby and his followers, are fundamentally different constructs, and research guided by the attachment perspective cannot meaningfully be assimilated to the temperament construct. Qualitative aspects of relationships simply cannot be reduced to individual behavioral dimensions. (RH)

Trust, in much the same way as hope, represents one of the essential components of a healthy upbringing. This article investigates the concept of trust as set forth in Eric Erikson's and Louise Kaplan's theories of basic trust, with particular emphasis on definition and development. The article analyzes some of the criteria that have been…

Discusses the topic of reciprocity of needs between children and caregivers and argues that children need to learn dependency before they can securely learn independence. (Author/RH)

Points out aptitudes and personal qualities infants' caregivers should have or should acquire. Basic needs of infants for optimal development in day care are specified. (RH)