That Loving Touch

Research into human behavior often has a wonderful way of validating common sense or intuitive understanding. As all caring mothers and fathers know, infants like to be held and caressed, and they tend to be happier for that. Now studies show how the absence of tactile contact can make not just for a cranky baby but for changes in the child’s brain biochemistry. That in turn can lead to lifelong intellectual, behavioral and physical problems.

That infants who are deprived of close maternal contact often develop learning and emotional problems has been clear for some time. Research presented at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans this week illuminates the biochemical consequences of neglect. Children who are deprived of regular reassuring physical contact were found in one study to have levels of stress hormones far higher than normal. These can lead to impaired growth and development of both the brain and body, slow learning, apathetic behavior and chronic illnesses.

One highly suggestive study, by Mary Carlson of the Harvard Medical School, found that children who were kept in poor-quality day care centers had abnormal levels of the stress hormone cortisol on weekdays but normal levels on weekends, when they were at home and, presumably, getting the attention that was lacking in the day care centers.

It’s well known that the first months and years of life are crucial in helping shape development. The new studies provide a biochemical basis for understanding just how important affection and support expressed through hugging and stroking can be. It is as much a part of responsible infant care as feeding, diaper changing or bathing. Mothers, fathers, day care providers all have vital roles to play. But too many infants continue to be denied the affection that is vital to their development. Their lives are scanted by neglect, to their great detriment and to society’s.