The effects of three kinds of perceptual‐social stimulation on the development of institutionalized infants

Abstract

Abstract In a traditional Institution, 48 infants, of both sexes, whose chronological age ranged from 2 to 3 months, were equally divided into four groups (3 experimental and 1 control group) and for a period of two months were submitted, daily, to three main types of stimulation: (1) perceptual, (2) social, and (3) perceptual ‐‐ social. A thought provoking conclusion emerges from the preliminary results: 2‐3‐months‐old institutionalized infants, who receive varied perceptual stimulation during a 10‐week period, present a developmental profile almost identical to the developmental profile of infants of the same age. I.Q.s and environment, who received, during the same length of time, a social stimulation through the agency of one person. Notes ∗ At various stages over the last years, this research has received support from the Canada Council. The writers gratefully acknowledge this help. Additional informationNotes on contributorsTherese Gouin DecarieFootnote∗ ∗ At various stages over the last years, this research has received support from the Canada Council. The writers gratefully acknowledge this help.