Hi Joan- Quite a stretch to go from degu pups to human infants. The inrer-species differences are profound. Just consider the vast differences in the effects of olfactory stimulation between humans and rodents. I have never been impressed with the "evidence" that suggests that the absence of a parent (through death, divorce, etc.) has any significant lasting effect on children. I am even less impressed by studies which try to show that putting kids in day care somehow harms the kids. In fact, I have a standing bet of $10,000 that no one can reliably determine whether an adult was raised in day care or at home by observing their behaviour and their interactions with others. Let me know if you want to put some money on the table and I'll provide you the details of the wager.
-Don. ----- Original Message ----- From: Joan Warmbold Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009 5:26 pm Subject: Re: [tips] Article in WSJ on study how brain develops "without Dad." To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)" > http://mensnewsdaily.com/sexandmetro/2009/10/29/this-is-your- > brain-without-dad/ > > This study on the impact of life without Dad for degu pups was > presentedat the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago this > month and recently > published in the journal Neuroscience. Fascinating though, at > least for > me, not particularly surprising. We have known for some time > how an > infant's brain is very plastic and therefore, primed to be strongly > influenced by early experiences. Another fascinating study with > degu > pups studied the impact on the pups who were removed from their > caregiversfor just one hour a day. To me this latter study has > potential (just > potential) significance for parents considering early day care > for their > children. > > Joan > [email protected] > > > --- > To make changes to your subscription contact: > > Bill Southerly ([email protected]) > Don Allen, Retired Formerly with: Dept. of Psychology Langara College 100 W. 49th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5Y 2Z6 Phone: 604-733-0039 --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
