psychoanalytic infant observation
Summarising findings from the study as a whole, this paper concentrates on describing how the infant observation method’s research potential was enhanced by procedures to increase systematicity, and the opportunities for the triangulation of evidence. Particular attention was given to the value of exploring the impact of the observation material on the observers in the group in understanding the meaning and/or impact of cultural and ethnic... more
Observing families from cultures very different from our own can produce complex reactions, from fascination, shock and confusion, to a tendency to be dismissive or judgemental. Perhaps the difficulty in processing these kinds of affective reactions contributes to the tendency to see culture as OUTSIDE the person. Research tends to focus on ‘cultural differences’ or cultural practices for what they tell us about the social group that they... more
Infant observation contributes to understanding the richness of infants' relationships, particularly within the family. However, our ability to gain access to infants' experience may be subtly affected by our interpretation of context and the adults' behaviour, especially their language. What kind of interaction is possible between preverbal infants without adults present and how can we understand what is going on between them... more
In the first part of the workshop I will talk about the history and nature of infant observation. It was initially introduced into the newly emergent training for child psychotherapists set up at the Tavistock Centre in the late nineteen forties by a Kleinian psychoanalyst called Esther Bick. During the war years the so-called Controversial Discussions had divided the British Psychoanalytic Society. A crucial issue had been what kinds of... more
Psychoanalytic infant observation, as developed in the Tavistock Clinic, London, UK, is a distinctive methodology, based on naturalistic observation in the home. It focuses particularly on the qualities of mental and emotional development in the mother –infant relationship and on the infant’s internalisation of experiences in relationships with the family. Making use of detailed descriptive observational accounts and the application of... more
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