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Infant Observation and Research: Emotional Processes in Everyday Lives
Author(s): Cathy Urwin (Editor), Janine Sternberg
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: March 28, 2012
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 206 pages
- ISBN-10: 041561659X
- ISBN-13: 9780415616591
Book Description
Psychoanalytic infant observation is frequently used in training psychoanalytic psychotherapists and allied professionals, but increasingly its value as a research method is being recognised, particularly in understanding developmental processes in vulnerable individuals and groups. This book explores the scope of this approach and discusses its strengths and limitations from a methodological and philosophical point of view.
Infant Observation and Research uses detailed case studies to demonstrate the research potential of the infant observation method. Divided into three sections this book covers
- infant observation as part of the learning process
- how infant observation can inform understanding and influence practice
- psychoanalytic infant observation and other methodologies.
Throughout the book, Cathy Urwin, Janine Sternberg and their contributors introduce the reader to the nature and value of psychoanalytic infant observation and its range of application. This book will therefore interest a range of mental health practitioners concerned with early development and infants’ emotional relationships, as well as academics and researchers in the social sciences and humanities.
Editorial Reviews
Review
This original book shows how ‘infant observation’ creates a greater capacity for tolerating stress and for reflective practice- qualities much needed by today’s beleaguered social workers and mental health professionals. The riveting examples of observation in richly vivid settings, from a new-born baby, to a mosque, to a dementia care home, enable the reader to think about the feelings and defences stirred up by work, or just being, in many settings. This wider context makes a valuable link between contemporary sociology and psychoanalytic thinking – Dr Dilys Daws, Hon Consultant Child Psychotherapist, Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, previously Founding Chair of the Association for Infant Mental Health-UK
