This literature review focuses on factors found to be associated with individual differences in infant night waking. Infant night waking that requires parent intervention to assist the infant to return to sleep is of special concern to parents because of the sleep deprivation and fragmentation that they experience. Both intrinsic and extrinsic…

This book, updated since initial publication in 1989, offers explanations, practical tips, and encouragement for teachers and families of preschool children facing the excitement--and stress--of separation. Topics discussed include ambivalence about separation and attachment, the comfort of routines, understanding the child perspective, supporting…

Incarcerated mothers represent a rapidly growing sector of the prison population. This review of the literature presents research examining the psychological and socio-emotional well-being of children with an incarcerated mother, highlighting risk and protective factors at different stages of children's development. Child outcomes are reviewed…

Investigated relationship between suicidal adolescent girls (N=40) and borderline phenomena, and examined separation anxiety in suicidal girls. Results suggest that adolescent suicide is a borderline phenomena that has its roots in the early separation-individuation phase of development, resulting in separation anxiety. (Author/ABB)

This article attempts to illustrate the value of a psychobiological approach to the study of a particular behavior; in this case, vocalization of infant primates following loss of the mother. (PCB)

Four-month-old rhesus monkeys were removed from their social group under three different conditions of perceptual isolation from their mothers and peers. Infant behavior was recorded and blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma cortisol. Infants never showed signs of depression; their responses following separation were seen as attempts…

Dealing with homesick campers can be challenging. Camper encouragement and counselor planning before camp starts is helpful. Upon arrival, don't dwell on the campers' homesickness. Help the camper connect--with older campers, a counselor, or a potential bunk-mate--and avoid free time. The first night is often the most difficult time; consult with…

Anxiety about the emotional experience of young children in nursery has been central in thinking about the development of nursery provision. The main theory of emotion that has been applied to nursery practice has been attachment theory. This article proposes that there is a need to open up our conceptual framework for thinking about emotional…

With current U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, military families are facing an unprecedented level of stress because of repeated and lengthy separations. The impact on children of these separations from one or both parents depends to a large extent on the remaining caregiver's ability to respond to the needs of the children. By…

Following the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, an extensive screening survey was undertaken to assess mental health needs of New York City's school-age children. This survey demonstrated that as many as 75,000 children in New York City (10.5%) had symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and high percentages of children reported other…

Research shows that stress in the crucial early years of a child's life can pose dramatic, lasting challenges to development, learning, and behavior. This is the practical book early childhood professionals need to recognize stress in young children--and intervene with proven relief strategies before pressures turn into big problems. Developed by…

Based on data obtained on a sample of 63 mother-infant dyads, concludes that separation anxiety is multiply determined by characteristics of the mother, the infant, and the employment situation and that variation in anxiety has consequences for the development of attachment relationships. (RH)

Capacity of infant monkeys to mount an antibody response to viral challenge was evaluated after monkeys' removal from their mothers in several social and physical environments. Results indicated that trauma of separation was reduced when infants were familiar with the separation environment or familiar social companions were available. (PCB)

Describes development of a program to ease the transition into becoming single. The program, a series of six informational letters, was developed for adults who had been separated, divorced, or widowed within the previous two years. The article also contains an evaluation of the program. (CT)

Critiques family therapy literature concerning incest. Identifies pervasive myths claiming that (1) fathers and mothers are pathologically disturbed or inadequate; (2) incest is caused by separation and loss; (3) family isolation or a rigid external boundary explains incest; and (4) incest serves a function in maintaining family organization.…