Neonatal Imitation: A Review
Neonatal imitation is the phenomenon of newborn infants displaying imitation of facial expressions, vocalizations, and other behavior in the first hours and days of life. This phenomenon has been observed in humans and numerous other species of animals. This review will discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying this behavior, potential implications for infant development, and avenues for future research.
The current evidence suggests that infants are capable of imitation from birth. A study by Meltzoff and Moore (1977) found that newborns showed imitation of facial expressions such as tongue protrusion, lip protrusion, and mouth opening. This study has been replicated by subsequent research (e.g., DiLeva and Field, 1979; Field et al., 1982). Subsequent research has also found that newborns are capable of imitating vocalizations (e.g., Stern et al., 1983; Trevarthen, 2001).
The mechanism underlying neonatal imitation is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed to be linked to the development of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that the ability to imitate increases with age, suggesting an increasing level of neural maturity (Meltzoff & Moore, 1977). It has also been suggested that the mirror neuron system, a system of neurons that activate during the observation of an action as well as during the performance of that action, may play a role in neonatal imitation (Carr et al., 2003).
Neonatal imitation has been found to have numerous implications for infant development. Studies have suggested that the ability of newborns to imitate facial expressions and vocalizations may facilitate the development of social cognition (Meltzoff & Moore, 1977). It has also been suggested that the ability to imitate may be linked to the development of language skills (Stern et al., 1983; Trevarthen, 2001).
Despite the evidence for neonatal imitation, there are still many unanswered questions. One important area of future research is to further explore the neural mechanisms underlying this behavior. Another area for future research is to explore the developmental implications of neonatal imitation, such as the role of imitation in the development of social cognition and language skills.
In conclusion, neonatal imitation is a fascinating phenomenon that has been observed in humans and other species of animals. The current evidence suggests that newborns are capable of imitation of facial expressions and vocalizations, and that this behavior is likely linked to the development of the central nervous system. Furthermore, the ability to imitate has been found to have numerous implications for infant development. Future research is needed to further explore the neural mechanisms underlying this behavior and the developmental implications of neonatal imitation.
References
Carr, L., Iacoboni, M., Dubeau, M.C., Mazziotta, J.C., & Lenzi, G.L. (2003). Neural mechanisms of imitation. Science, 301, 1805-1808.
DiLeva, C.L., & Field, T.M. (1979). Imitation of facial and manual gestures by neonates. Science, 205, 1293-1295.
Field, T.M., Cohen, D., & Garcia, R. (1982). Discrimination and imitation of facial expressions by neonates. Science, 218, 179-181.
Meltzoff, A.N., & Moore, M.K. (1977). Imitation of facial and manual gestures by human neonates. Science, 198, 75-78.
Stern, D.N., Spieker, S., & MacKain, K. (1983). Vocal imitation of intonation contours by preterm and full-term infants. Child Development, 54, 1515-1526.
Trevarthen, C. (2001). Intrinsic motives for companionship in understanding: Their origin, development, and significance for infant mental health. Infant Mental Health Journal, 22, 95-131.