Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In the field of infant mental health, methods for studying infant behaviour and interactions include: microanalytic observations where minute or finite behavioural actions and sequences are explored using video; and psychoanalytic exploration by the observer of their thoughts and feelings about infant behaviour. Often these two approaches are used independently of one another. Yet when used in conjunction, they can generate new understandings about infants’ interactions and underlying motivations.
AIM
This presentation will describe how microanalytic and psychoanalytic methods of infant observation were used to generate researcher and educator insights into infant sociality and social development in education and care (EC) settings.
MATERIAL and METHODS
This study was conducted in two EC settings with educators working with infants under 2 years of age. A micro-analytic approach was used to examine infants’ interactions in a triad (defined as a third infant and an interacting infant-peer dyad) from video recordings of 20 infants collected over a 19-month period (age range = 3 to 21 months). A data set of 564 coded observations was generated and analysed using frequency analyses, correlations and group comparisons. A psychoanalytic approach was used to generate interview data with four educators while viewing video extracts of infant interactions in triads. A series of 18 interviews were conducted and analysed using structural and thematic approaches.
RESULTS
Analyses confirmed that third infants were watching, coming in to, and communicating with the dyad. Insights from the psychoanalytic method identified third infants’ motivations as: being curious and interested in their peers, working out the interactions between the dyad and seeking belonging and togetherness.
CONCLUSION
Micro-analytic and psychoanalytic methods of observation generated data that identified described infants’ interactions in peer groups, and provided the meanings that underlie these interactions. When combined, these two methods gave a more comprehensive understanding of how and why infants behave the way they do.
In the field of infant mental health, methods for studying infant behaviour and interactions include: microanalytic observations where minute or finite behavioural actions and sequences are explored using video; and psychoanalytic exploration by the observer of their thoughts and feelings about infant behaviour. Often these two approaches are used independently of one another. Yet when used in conjunction, they can generate new understandings about infants’ interactions and underlying motivations.
AIM
This presentation will describe how microanalytic and psychoanalytic methods of infant observation were used to generate researcher and educator insights into infant sociality and social development in education and care (EC) settings.
MATERIAL and METHODS
This study was conducted in two EC settings with educators working with infants under 2 years of age. A micro-analytic approach was used to examine infants’ interactions in a triad (defined as a third infant and an interacting infant-peer dyad) from video recordings of 20 infants collected over a 19-month period (age range = 3 to 21 months). A data set of 564 coded observations was generated and analysed using frequency analyses, correlations and group comparisons. A psychoanalytic approach was used to generate interview data with four educators while viewing video extracts of infant interactions in triads. A series of 18 interviews were conducted and analysed using structural and thematic approaches.
RESULTS
Analyses confirmed that third infants were watching, coming in to, and communicating with the dyad. Insights from the psychoanalytic method identified third infants’ motivations as: being curious and interested in their peers, working out the interactions between the dyad and seeking belonging and togetherness.
CONCLUSION
Micro-analytic and psychoanalytic methods of observation generated data that identified described infants’ interactions in peer groups, and provided the meanings that underlie these interactions. When combined, these two methods gave a more comprehensive understanding of how and why infants behave the way they do.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 209 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | 18th World Congress for the World Association for Infant Mental Health - Convention Centre Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Duration: 15 Jul 2023 → 19 Jul 2023 https://www.waimh2023.org/ https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/admin/files/349102430/waimh_2023_abstract_book_sunday_16th_july.pdf (Abstract book - Sunday) https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/admin/files/349102835/waimh_2023_abstract_book_tuesday_18th_july.pdf (Abstract book - Tuesday) |
Other
| Other | 18th World Congress for the World Association for Infant Mental Health |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Early relationships matter: advancing practice, policy and research in infant mental health |
| Country/Territory | Ireland |
| City | Dublin |
| Period | 15/07/23 → 19/07/23 |
| Other | The Irish Association for Infant Mental Health (I-AIMH) is delighted to invite you to Save the Date to participate in the 18th World Congress of the World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH). Scheduled for 15-19 July 2023, it will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin, situated in the heart of Ireland’s beautiful capital city. The COVID pandemic has brought significant changes across the world and also denied WAIMH members those much desired reunions. However, we are a strong, resilient international community, and as the Irish proverb goes, ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’: through the shelter of each other, people survive. The Dublin Congress aims to provide an in-person stimulating and engaging environment for WAIMH delegates – it will be a truly memorable experience. Following in the footsteps of previous WAIMH congresses, mutual exchanges that cross interdisciplinary boundaries will be at the heart of the 2023 programme. We look forward to extending a warm invitation to our infant mental health colleagues across the world to share the latest scientific research, clinical experiences, scientific knowledge and cultural perspectives on a global scale. Register your interest on the Congress website and we will make sure you are kept updated with the latest Congress news, programme information and links to submit abstracts and register. |
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