Abstract

NUNES, Sandra A N; FERNANDES, Marcos G  and  VIEIRA, Mauro L. Early social interactions: an analysis of changes in the parental role. Rev. bras. crescimento desenvolv. hum. [online]. 2007, vol.17, n.3, pp. 160-171. ISSN 0104-1282.

The physical and emotional interactions established between ancestors and descendants have been reexamined in psychological science due to recent contributions offered by Evolutionary Psychology. This article reviews classic and contemporary theories of distinct philosophical backgrounds, which have tried to explain the factors implied in the genesis, development and function of the early interactions between children and their parents. A review of papers from distinct areas regarding attachment behavior and parental behavior, in its normal and pathogenic dynamics in the species homo, is presented. The psychopathology of the child's tie to the mother and its disruption through separation, deprivation and bereavement, especially puerperal depression, are analyzed, as well as the role that the paternal care assumes in this context, in order to provide the human infant with an ideal environment for optimal growth both psychologically and physiologically.

Keywords : Social interaction; Attachment; Parental behavior.

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