Using the framework of the Evolved Developmental Niche (EDN) we have and are conducting several studies. The EDN for early life includes natural childbirth (e.g., no interference with timing, no separation of mom and baby), breastfeeding (ideally until the immune system is established, around age 5), nearly constant touch, responsiveness to the cues of the child, playful companionship, multiple caring caregivers and positive social support.
ARTICLES AND CHAPTERS
Narvaez, D., Wang, L., Gleason, T., Cheng, A., Lefever, J., & Deng, L. (in press). The Evolved Developmental Niche and sociomoral outcomes in Chinese three-year-olds. European Journal of Developmental Psychology.
Narvaez, D., & Gleason, T. (2013). Developmental optimization. In D. Narvaez, J., Panksepp, A. Schore, & T. Gleason (Eds.), Evolution, Early Experience and Human Development: From Research to Practice and Policy (pp. 307-325). New York: Oxford University Press.
Narvaez, D., Panksepp, J., Schore, A., & Gleason, T. (2013). The value of using an evolutionary framework for gauging children’s well-being. Evolution, Early Experience and Human Development: From Research to Practice and Policy (pp. 3-30). New York: Oxford University Press.
Narvaez, D., Panksepp, J., Schore, A., & Gleason, T. (2013). The Future of human nature: Implications for research, policy, and ethics. In D. Narvaez, J., Panksepp, A. Schore, & T. Gleason (Eds.),. Evolution, Early Experience and Human Development: From Research to Practice and Policy (pp. 455-468). New York: Oxford University Press.
PRESENTATIONS