İnstitute of Graduate Studies - lisansustu@gelisim.edu.tr
Child Development (Master) (Thesis)
06 March 2021 Saturday
Negligence does more harm than physical abuse
Speaking about the effect of the relationship with babies on the baby's brain, Prof. Dr. William Mosier said that chronic exposure to the stress hormone in infancy will bring life-long physical and mental health problems. “Chronic negligence harms the developing human brain more than physical abuse,” says Prof. Mosier.
“NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT”
Emphasizing that the effect of stress on the human brain has been documented for more than seventy-five years, Mosier said: “The human brain contains pre-programmed neural circuits for the development of a bonding relationship between the baby and at least one important adult in the first six months of life. This initial attachment (typically with a mother figure) prepares neurons to establish synaptic connections with other neurons. This process strengthens the formation of nerve clusters that increase brain development.”
Stating that when healthy social and emotional bonds are not formed, synapses are removed by a process called pruning, Mosier said: “When a baby's neglect is permanent, cortisol, the stress hormone, is released into the brain. Chronic exposure to stress hormone during infancy brings life-long physical and mental health problems. In addition, it creates a more sensitive brain by negatively affecting cognitive, language, social and emotional development. In fact, chronic neglect causes more damage to the developing human brain than physical abuse.”
Stating that early intervention can reduce the negative effects of chronic stress and neglect in infants, Prof. Dr. William Mosier, faculty member of Department of Child Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University said: “Therefore, Child Development Specialists can support families by teaching parents the mutual interactions (service and return) between babies and adults that support brain development and foster healthy emotional attachment. This includes responding quickly and appropriately to the baby's responses such as crying, crying, chirping, making eye contact with the baby, hugging, reflecting the baby's expression on him, and giving him time to “respond”.
“BABIES CAN DIFFERENTIATE A SMILING AND FEAR FACE EXPRESSION”
