Bringing Up Baby: The Psychoanalytic Infant Comes of Age

Author(s) : Dianna T. Kenny

Bringing Up Baby: The Psychoanalytic Infant Comes of Age

Book Details

Customer Reviews

Our customers have given this title an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 3 review(s), add your own review for this title.

Margaret Jacobs on 24/09/2013 03:18:34

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This book is impeccably researched with academic rigour. It is presented in an accessible manner, taking the reader on a journey from the origins of psychoanalytic thought through theories of learning, attachment, development of cognition to neuroscience. It is such a clear cohesive summary of each theory with a psychoanalytic thread woven through the book. The case studies which illustrate different theories provide enjoyable reading, and the diversity of literature reviewed provides a broad basis for understanding each concept introduced. The use of the infant is the central anchor point as the reader also observes the “bringing up” of infant research; from earlier psychoanalytic thought to the author’s current thought and integration of influential theories of infant development to the modern day research. It is refreshing to read a clear and eloquent critique of each of the theories without demonstrating an obvious position or bias. This book is well worth reading.

Paula Morelli on 27/03/2013 11:37:17

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With this book, Dr Kenny has succinctly outlined both the historical theories about infancy and infant development and the latest theories and research. The book is especially engaging because it has managed to strike the right balance between accessibility and erudition, covering topics such as the development of infant memory and cognition, the impact of early trauma, and the development of attachment theory and its underlying neurobiology. Of particular interest is the chapter on developmental neuroscience, which provides a template for thinking about policy development around infancy. This book is of interest to the professionals and lay people alike, in fact, anyone who has brought up, is considering bringing up, or who has wondered about the implications of ways to bring up a baby. You know that book that was never given to new Mothers (and Fathers) in hospital answering all those questions about 'how to bring up your child'? This book could be Chapter One.

Thea Doran on 12/01/2013 12:59:04

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This book is a scholarly but readable and accessible account of all the major theories of infant development since Freud. The treatment of all the theoretical approaches covered is balanced, incisive and grounded in empirical research. The author challenges some cherished beliefs about infancy in a thought-provoking and well-argued way. It is extensively researched and contains a comprehensive reference list. Highly recommended for students, professionals and the lay public with interests in infant and child development.

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