Infant Development

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses father involvement in infant development. It describes the importance of father involvement in terms of the mother's ability to cope and need for support, as well as the benefits that it has on the infant. The paper analyzes studies that suggest that infants with closer father involvement, are more well-adjusted than infants who lack this relationship with their fathers.

From the Paper:

"Stern advises parents to know the stages of infant development so that they can anticipate the challenges and joys of its growth (Gould, 2006). When the mother requires more than a support network or when difficulties arise between parent and the infant on the latter's temperament, interventions from qualified infant mental health practitioners may be necessary. Both parents should be emotionally prepared during pregnancy so as to prevent emotional difficulties and problems from forming when the baby is born. The birth of a new baby should always be a happy event but this is not always the case. Some families face severe stressors like financial distress, young or unwanted pregnancies, traumatic abuse or some other conditions. Resorting to active intervention will not only provide the support and insight needed but also open up unseen possibilities in a new light (Gould)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Caldera, Y. M. (2004). Paternal involvement and infant attachment. 15 pages.Fathering: Men's Studies Press
• Fletcher, R. (2005). The father-infant connection. Engaging Father Project. Australian Association for Infant Mental Health. 26 pages. Brisbane, Australia: University of Newcastle
• Gould, B. (2006). The psychological work of pregnancy. Head Start Bulletin, issue 73. 7 pages. Department of Health and Human Sciences: Trans Management Systems Corporation
• Prengpuangkae, S. et al. (2006). Bonding and undisturbed attachment. 9 pages. The Child Institute Foundation for Children
• Vandell, D. L., et al. (1997). Fathers and "others" as infant care providers. 15 pages. Merill- Palmer Quarterly: Wayne State University Press

More papers on Infant Development:

• Essay # 49713 : "Infant Development"
• Descriptive Essay # 376 : "Human Development: An Infant Observation"
• Essay # 88220 : "Infant Mental Health"

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