Resilience in Infancy: A Relational Approach

Abstract

In this article, the authors consider issues relevant to the study of resilience in infancy using a relational approach. They begin by addressing the challenge of defining the construct of resilience in the developmental context of infancy. The authors then examine how risks experienced by infants, such as maternal depression, may influence individual development. Particular attention is given to neuroplasticity in infant development. They suggest that knowledge about the social contexts in which infants are embedded may contribute to our understanding of resilience processes in the early years. Specifically, the authors hypothesized that the infant–parent relationship is a potential locus of resilient functioning. This hypothesis was investigated using a study of young mothers and their infants, exploring how an indicator of positive infant functioning (optimal emotional availability with mothers) was associated with maternal resilient functioning in parenting. In the context of significant threats to development, infant emotional availability was related to maternal resilient functioning in parenting. The authors conclude that conceptualizing and operationalizing resilience in infancy requires a special focus on functioning within the context of caregiving relationships.

This research was supported by the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund (Grant #: MA1014) to A. Easterbrooks & F. Jacobs.