Science of Attachment

Photo by Sweet Carolina Design & Photo

Compared to most other mammals, and to all other primates, human infants are born incredibly under developed, with the majority of brain development occurring after birth. This means that human infants must rely on their caregivers for not just safety, warmth, and food, but also rely on their caregivers to create a world for optimal brain development. Researchers have found certain parenting practices cater to specific needs of the developing child. These basic parenting behaviors allow the child to develop a secure attachment with their parents and provide the foundation for positive emotional and physiological development. Dr. Leah Hibel of Purdue University will be talking about the physiological needs of babies and the optimal ways in which caregivers should respond. Dr. Hibel earned her Ph. D at Penn State University in Biobehavioral Health with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She is currently on the faculty at Purdue in the department of Human Development and Family Studies.