A Study into Infant Mental Health: Drawing together Perspectives of International Research, Theory, and Practical Intervention

This book is a study of infant mental health which blends knowledge and  understanding from three perspectives: international research, theory,  and intervention. The volume increases awareness of the significance of  infant mental health, adding to the growing body of literature on  influences upon lifestyles, communities, society, and attainment.

The  significance of mental health to development has come to the fore in  recent years and research in neuroscience is used to explore, and to  understand the complexities of the human brain. Each infant is exposed  to unique influences before and after birth. Neuroscience, genetics,  adverse childhood experiences, and personalities feature in the chapters  as mitigating factors to attainment. Exemplars create a bridge between  research and implementation of recommendations, and illustrate the  myriad of influences and permutations that can enhance or hinder  development. This book discusses internal influences from an infant’s  biological make-up, alongside the circumstances and relationships within  a family unit, as understanding these key aspects is integral to  promotion of each infant’s life chances. The volume concludes by  considering future approaches to nurturing infant mental health.

Carefully  designed to stimulate discussion and professional inquiry, this volume  is an invaluable resource for researchers, academics, and scholars with  an interest in infant mental health.