Mother/infant emotional communication through the lens of visceral/autonomic learning

Abstract

Introduction: The benefits of early mother/infant vocal communication are widely acknowledged, but the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon remain unclear. Aims: In this chapter, the authors aim to describe the methods, strategy, and theory behind Family Nurture Intervention (FNI), a nurture-based therapy that breaks from conventional brain-based strategies, methods, and theories. FNI emphasizes vocal exchange of deep emotion in order to create and maintain emotional connection. During FNI dyadic holding sessions, family members are encouraged to maintain close physical contact and persist through the full range of verbal expression of emotions until the pair achieves deep mutual physiological and psychological calm. Following a randomized controlled trial comparing Standard Care vs. Standard Care plus FNI in the NICU, FNI mothers showed better maternal care giving behavior in the hospital and significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression at 4 months. FNI infants showed greatly improved brain activation at term age and neurobehavioral outcomes at 18 months, including a significant decrease in scores on a standard measure of risk for autism. In an attempt to explain the efficacy of FNI’s vocal approach, the authors discuss mother/infant vocal behavior through the lens of Calming Cycle Theory. The theory posits that emotional connection between mother and infant is the key to adaptive visceral/autonomic learning via Pavlovian conditioning mechanisms. The discussion is organized around Tinbergen’s four levels of analysis: causation, ontogeny, function, and evolution. Pavlovian conditioning is a highly conserved subconscious learning mechanism that lies at the root of survival, adaptation, and drive. Conclusion: The authors propose that the emotional relationship between mother and infant is shaped by visceral/autonomic state, which determines the effect each one has on the physiology and behavior of the other, including their vocal communication. When negative vocal communication between mother and infant occurs, a counterconditioning intervention such as FNI can be exploited to change negative vocal communication to positive when it occurs.