Psychology of Parent - Child Relationship

Findings that have been gained from psychological studies on parentchild relationship desired for the healthy development of the mind in infants, with particular emphasis on how to raise infants are discussed herein. First, a conceptual scheme to examine mother-infant relationship, the most important aspect of early parent-child relationship, is presented. For instance, structural components of mother-infant interactions are shown diagrammatically. Based on the figures, development of infants during the first two years since birth is discussed in relation to the mother-infant interactions by dividing it into three phases. Specifically, primary characteristics of developmental changes in the ability of infants to communicate during the first two months of life, two to six months, and six to 18 months are exemplified, and the characteristics of the mother-infant interactions strongly related to such changes are organized. Subsequently, how the behavioral changes in parent-child relationship might be related to the tasks concerning mind development in infants is clarified. Finally, the current situation of the parenting environment in Japan, including the issue of participation by fathers, and clinical tasks are