Developmental Psychology: Infant Reflexes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the pull-up reflex in infants?

To facilitate voluntary movement.

To enhance arm strength.

To promote crawling patterns.

To assist with attainment of upright posture. (correct)

At what age can an infant typically lift their head from a prone position?

5 months

1 month

3 months

2 months (correct)

What is considered a rate limiter in the development of infant motor skills?

Head control development. (correct)

Parental support.

Environmental factors.

The presence of reflexes.

Which movement does typically occur first in an infant's rolling development?

Rolling from front to back. Signup and view all the answers

At what age is an infant expected to be able to sit independently from a supine or prone position?

7 months Signup and view all the answers

What constraint must be addressed for an infant to successfully roll over?

Body segmentation. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs as reflexes gradually disappear in infants?

Voluntary movements become dominant. Signup and view all the answers

At what age can an infant typically be expected to pull themselves up into a standing position?

9 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of throwing maturation characterized by?

All movement being in the arm Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does movement of the arm occur towards the intended target?

Execution phase Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the catching maturation stage first show hands held out with flexing after ball contact?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What contributing factor significantly impacts throwing patterns according to throwing constraints?

Cues and guided practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components comprises the smallest meaningful unit of sound in a language?

Phoneme Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur in throwing maturation at around 5-8 years of age?

Introduction of contralateral movement in preparation phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of matching a spoken word to its stored memory description?

Lexical access Signup and view all the answers

In the catching maturation stage at around 6-7 years, how do the elbows and palms position themselves?

Elbows flex and palms up Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cephalocaudal' refer to in early development?

Development occurring from the head to the tail Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex is primarily associated with feeding in infants?

Sucking reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the palmar grasp reflex in infants?

To facilitate early grasping and reaching Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the rooting reflex?

The head turns toward the direction of the cheek stimulation Signup and view all the answers

The Babinski reflex presents as which physical reaction in infants?

Big toe extends when the foot is stimulated Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the stepping reflex in infants?

It involves exaggerated and alternating step-like movements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflexes is crucial for the alignment of the head with the body?

Body-righting reflex Signup and view all the answers

What happens as the palmar grasp reflex disappears in infants?

Infants begin to stand erect Signup and view all the answers

What vocabulary range can children expect to have by age 10?

10,000 to 40,000 words Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style allows children to make constructive mistakes?

Authoritative Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of physical activity for toddlers aged 1-2 years each day?

3 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the uninvolved parenting style?

Non-responsiveness and disengagement Signup and view all the answers

For infants aged 0-3 months, how many hours of sleep are recommended each day?

14-17 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT recommended for infants under 12 months?

Restraint in a pram Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum daily physical activity requirement for preschoolers aged 3-5 years?

3 hours Signup and view all the answers

How can parents effectively improve communication with children during mid-late childhood?

Be at their level both physically and verbally Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes normal aging from pathological aging?

Normal aging allows for continued adaptation, whereas pathological aging leads to significant decline. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia?

Physical activity Signup and view all the answers

How does postural sway change as individuals age?

It increases from the age of 30 and declines majorly in older age. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of dynamic balance?

The ability to maintain body position with a moving base of support. Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen to balance performance as individuals age?

It declines, requiring additional muscle activity to maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

What role do social interactions play in cognitive aging?

They can support and enhance cognitive function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving neurocognition in adults over 50?

Increasing exercise interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor influencing variability in cognitive aging?

Genetics and educational background. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cephalocaudal Development

Cephalocaudal development describes the pattern of development that occurs from the head to the tail in infants.
Infants are able to lift their head before they can lift their feet.

Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes emerge in the last four months of prenatal life and the first four months after birth.
They are involuntary and subcortical.
Primitive reflexes are believed to be important for infant health and neurological maturation.
They help infants secure nourishment and protection.

Sucking Reflex

Stimulation of the lips results in negative intraoral pressure and the tongue pressing upwards and forwards.
Essential for non-voluntary feedings and self-soothing.

Searching Reflex (Rooting)

Stimulation of the cheek results in the head turning towards the direction of the stimulus.
Assists with feeding, turning the head towards the breast.

Palmar Grasp (Hands)

Stimulation of the palms of the hands results in the four fingers closing.
Important for the development of early grasping and reaching.

Palmar Grasp (Foot)

Stimulation on the ball of the foot results in toes flexing or grasping.
Its disappearance is required to stand erect.

Babinski Reflex

Stimulation of the lower or lateral foot results in the big toe extending.
Re-emergence in adulthood is indicative of an upper motor neuron lesion.

Stepping Reflex

Pressure on the feet when held upright results in exaggerated and alternating step-like movements.
Can be present at birth and may evolve into voluntary walking patterns.

Crawling Reflex

Alternate stimulation of the foot in a prone body position results in leg and arm movements in a crawling-like action.
Can be present at birth and may evolve into creeping.

Head-Righting Reflex

Rolling the body results in the head aligning with the body.

Body-Righting Reflex

Rolling or moving the head results in the body aligning with the head.

Pull-Up Reflex

Loss of upright supported posture results in arms flexing or extending to return to an upright position.
Assists with attaining upright posture.

Rhythmical Stereotypies

It is proposed that rhythmical stereotypies are manifestations of incomplete cortical control of endogenous patterning in maturing neuromuscular pathways.

Infant Voluntary Movement

Voluntary movements become the dominant form of movement as cortical structures start to inhibit reflexes.

Infant Voluntary Movement Categories

Stability
Locomotion
Developmental sequences in these movements appear predictably and sequentially.

Rate Limiter

A system that acts as a limiter or influence on an individual performing a new skill or motor pattern.
For example, an infant must develop head control in order to sit.

Head Control

Head control is difficult due to low strength and the large relative size of the head.
Initial voluntary movements of the head are small (~1 month).
~2 months: Able to lift head from prone position (on tummy).
~3 months: Can extend the neck.
~5 months: Can lift head from supine position.

Body Control: Rolling

Rolling is important as it opens up opportunities for crawling and standing.
Front to back (~4 months) before back to front (~5 months).
Initial attempts are a full-body movement without segmentation of body parts.
Once the infant incorporates a torso twist, they can usually roll.
Time on the ground is essential for developing rolling.

Body Control: Sitting

~3 months: Can support the head when placed in a sitting position.
~5 months: Can maintain sitting with the use of the arms (still needs to be placed into a sitting position).
~7 months: Can sit independently from a supine or prone position.
~8 months: Can sit independently.

Body Control: Standing

~9 months: Will pull themselves up into a standing position (need an external object for support).

Overarm Throwing

Preparatory Phase: Movement of the arm away from the intended target.
Execution Phase: Movement of the arm towards the intended target.
Follow Through: Any movement after release of the object.

Throwing Maturation

Stage 1 (~1.5-2.5 years): Lack of prep phase, no/little feet movement, all in the arm.
Stage 2 (~3 years): Rotation of head, shoulder, hips, rounded sling arm action, start to bring back leg through.
Stage 3 (5-8 years): Prep phase: contralateral movement, execution phase: sequential rotation, front leg knee extends, opposite arm moves back.

Throwing Constraints

Instruction: Provision of cues and guided practice improves throwing.
Body Scaling: The size of the object will impact upon the throwing pattern.

Catching Maturation

Stage 1 (~2 years): Arms held out, arms flex after ball contact, eyes tend to watch the thrower.
Stage 2 (~3 years): Slight flex in arms, arms flex prior to contact.
Stage 5 (6-7 years): Elbows flex and palms up, able to adjust body for the flight of the ball.

Language Development

Language is a system of communication that uses voice symbols to regulate a way in creating meaning.
Speech and language development are linked to the onset of independent walking.
Speech recognition involves matching acoustic forms to a stored set of spoken words which make up the listener's vocabulary.

Phonological Lexicon

The store of speech sounds that make up known words.

Lexical Access

The process of matching a spoken word to a stored memory description of the word.

Components of Language

Phoneme: The smallest unit of sound that makes a meaningful difference in a language.
Hat has 3 phonemes: h, a, t.

Mid-Late Childhood Communication (6-12 years)

Vocabulary grows from ~10,000 words to ~40,000 words by age 10.
Improved comprehension and less literal interpretation of language.
Can categorize and associate words with known concepts.
Begins telling jokes or playing with words.

Improving Communication With Children

Use simple but direct language.
Be at their level, both physically and verbally.
Build rapport by finding out their interests.
Be complimentary and excited about their interests.

Parenting Styles

Authoritative: Supportive and show interest in their kids' activities but are not overbearing and allow them to make constructive mistakes.
Authoritarian: Traditional model of parenting in which parents make the rules and children are expected to be obedient.
Permissive: Holding expectations of children that are below what could be reasonably expected from them.
Uninvolved: Disengaged from their children. They do not make demands on their children and are non-responsive.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Infants and Children in Australia

Infancy: Don't partake in exercise, engage in physical activity such as tummy time. 30 minutes per day of tummy time is recommended, start incorporating grasping. Interactive floor play once mobile. Sleep: 0-3 months: 14-17 hours/day, 4-12 months: 12-16 hours/day.
Toddlerhood: 1-2 years of age should get at least 3 hours of physical activity each day. Running, playing tips, ball games, twirling, jumping, dancing, skipping. Avoid restraining in a pram and limit time spent seated or laying down. Sleep: 1-2 years: 11-14 hours/day. Emphasis on quality of sleep and consistency.
Preschool: 3-5 years: Active for at least 3 hours each day, 1 hour of energetic play. Running playing tips, ball games, kicking, throwing, jumping, dancing, skipping.

Neuroplasticity

The brain can still adapt and form new connections.
Engaging in learning and social activities can support cognitive function.

Influence of Lifestyle Factors

Physical health, diet, and social interactions affect cognitive aging.
Staying active and healthy can help slow down decline.

Variability in Aging

Cognitive aging varies widely.
Some people decline significantly, while others maintain good cognitive function.
Factors like genetics and education play a role.

Normal vs. Pathological Aging

Normal aging involves gradual, manageable changes in cognitive and physical abilities, while pathological aging leads to significant decline and health challenges.
Pathological aging is often marked by diseases that severely impact quality of life, whereas normal aging allows for continued adaptation and engagement.

Increased exercise interventions for cognitive functions in adults older than 50.
Moderate evidence suggests that exercise interventions improve neurocognition in cognitively normal older adults.
Strong evidence that PA is associated with reduced risk of developing MCI and dementia.

Balance

The ability to control the position of the body.
Static balance: Maintenance of body position when the base of support is constant, but the center of gravity is moving.
Dynamic balance: Maintenance of body position when both the base of support and center of gravity are moving.

Postural Sway

Almost imperceptible back and forth motion in an upright position.
Matures in adolescence/early adulthood.
Increases from as early as 30 onwards.
Major declines are seen in older age, requiring greater muscular activity to reduce postural sway.

Balance Performance Declines With Age

Older adults will attempt to compensate by increasing muscle activity through hip movements to control the center of balance within the base of support.
Causes: Decrease in strength and power, and increase in impairments to proprioception, cognitive function, vision, and vestibular system.

Walking in Older Age

In older adults, gait speed will slow down.
There will be a shorter stride length.
There will be a wider base of support.
There will be an increase in variability in gait.

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Description

This quiz explores various aspects of infant development, focusing on cephalocaudal development and primitive reflexes. You'll learn about key reflexes such as sucking, rooting, and palmar grasp, which are crucial for infant health and nutrition. Test your knowledge on how these reflexes contribute to an infant's growth and neurological maturation.