Differential rooting response by neonates: evidence for an early sense of self

摘要: It is proposed that from birth, and long before mirror self-recognition, infants manifest a sense of self as differentiated situated entity in the environment. In support this view, observations are reported suggesting neonates discriminate between external self-stimulation. Five newborns 11 4-week-old were observed when they spontaneously brought one hand to their face, touching cheeks (self-stimulation), or index finger experimenter touched infant's (external stimulation). Microanalysis revealed responded differentially two types stimulation. Newborns tended display significantly more rooting responses (i.e., head turn towards stimulation with mouth open tonguing) following compared Four-week-old demonstrated an opposite pattern. These data discussed evidence innate ability versus externally caused The differential expression at birth 4 weeks considered relation learning opportunities emergence new functional goals guiding infant behaviour. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.