SYNOPSIS
A behavior-based neurobiological approach to the study of normative and high-risk parenting is presented and suggests that human affiliations are formed on the basis of bio-behavioral synchrony between the online physiological and behavioral processes of attachment partners. Theoretical foundations for the model ranging from neuroscience to phenomenology are discussed, and the unique expressions of micro-level synchrony are detailed across development. Specific disruptions to parameters of synchrony in various high-risk conditions and examples for time-locked processes of biology and behavior are described. Finally, implications of the findings to the implementation of specific interventions to mothers, fathers, and families are highlighted.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Research is supported by the Israel Science Foundation (#1318/08), the US-Israel bi-national Science Foundation (2005-273), the NARSAD Foundation, the Irving B. Harris Foundation, and the Katz Family Foundation.