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Neural plasticity and development in the first two years of life: Evidence from cognitive and socioemotional domains of research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

Nathan A. Fox ,
Susan D. Calkins  and
Martha Ann Bell
Nathan A. Fox*
Affiliation:
University of Maryland
Susan D. Calkins
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina
Martha Ann Bell
Affiliation:
University of South Carolina
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Nathan A. Fox, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.
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Abstract

Three models that can be used to investigate the effects of different environmental events on brain development and organization are explored. The insult model argues against brain plasticity, and the environmental model regards the brain as infinitely plastic. Our work is guided by the transactional model, which views brain development and organization as an interaction between (a) genetically coded programs for the formation and connectivity of brain structures and (b) environmental modifiers of these codes. Data are reported from our cognitive and socioemotional research studies that support the notion of plasticity during the first 2 years of life. From our work with normal developmental processes, we draw parallels to abnormal development and speculate how the transactional model can be used to explain abnormal brain organization and development.

Type
Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , Fall 1994 , pp. 677 - 696
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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