Infant mental health: an interdisciplinary framework for early social and emotional development

Hiram E Fitzgerald; Deborah Weatherston; Tammy L Mann

doi:10.1016/j.cppeds.2011.02.001

Infant mental health: an interdisciplinary framework for early social and emotional development

Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2011 Aug;41(7):178-82. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2011.02.001.

Authors

Hiram E Fitzgerald¹, Deborah Weatherston, Tammy L Mann

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology and University Outreach and Engagement, Kellogg Center Garden Level, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.

PMID: 21757133
DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2011.02.001

Abstract

We review historical factors that led to the creation of the interdisciplinary field of infant mental health. The history of infant mental health is linked to transformations in scientific knowledge about infancy that emerged primarily in the 20th century, particularly with respect to social and emotional development. Contemporary challenges for the infant mental health field focus on research, practice, and policy issues that reflect these shifts and impact our understanding of the dynamic social, emotional, and cultural forces that shape early development.

MeSH terms

Child Development*
Emotions*
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Interdisciplinary Communication*
Mental Health*
Socialization*