278 Unit 3 Infancy
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
the same children as teens. High-reactive infants
react to anything new with caution and can
easily become physically agitated and distressed.
Low-reactive infants tend to be sociable and bold
(trying new challenges).
High-reactive (formerly called diffi cult) infants
are irregular in their habits. They may withdraw or
protest—even scream—when facing new situations.
High-reactive infants often have a rough start,
which may cause parents increased feelings of
anxiety. Low-reactive (formerly called easy) infants
are cheerful, have regular habits, such as eating and
sleeping, and respond quickly to a new situation.
Low-reactive infants usually get off to a good start
with their parents.
Through his studies, Kagan found the fol-
lowing parenting behaviors (environmental fac-
tors) negatively infl uence high-reactive children’s
temperaments:
• Inadequate soothing. High-reactive
children need parents who help them calm
down and regulate their emotions. Without
help, these children become more reactive.
• Alarmist behavior. Parents who are
alarmist see dangers everywhere. Infants
can sense parents’ feelings of anxiety and
become anxious themselves.
• Intrusive behavior. Parents who are intrusive
(controlling) become overprotective. These
children may have diffi culty developing
their own coping skills.
Kagan’s research showed that no high-reactive
child later became a low-reactive child. Parents
can effect a compromise, however, by working on
their high-reactive child’s temperament. Good,
consistent care of high-reactive babies may make
them happier (Figure 10.2). Easing these children
into new situations and alerting them to upcoming
changes are also helpful. As children get older,
parents can even rehearse certain expectations
with them.
Social Relations
Social refers to a relationship between two or
more people. Social development in the fi rst year
is shaped by how other people affect the baby and
how the baby affects other people. By the end of the
fi rst year, social development is well underway.
This section will focus on social relations in the
fi rst year that involve interacting with others and
showing attachment.
Interacting with Others
Human relationships are the building blocks of
healthy development. Babies are born with tools for
social development. At birth, newborns can turn
their heads in the direction of the human voice.
They move their arms in rhythm of human speech.
They like to look at people’s faces.
Positive interactions between babies and their
caregivers are sometimes called “serve and return,”
like the game of tennis. Babies understand social
messages by the way others talk to, look at, or hold
them. Babies send signals to others through their
cries, coos, and smiles. These “serve and return”
Figure 10.2 Supportive care of high-reactive babies
includes extra holding, cuddling, and soothing. Were you a
low-reactive or high-reactive baby? Explain.