Abstract
Findings of research and the theories for etiology of RAD present an apparent paradox: there is evidence of a genetic footprint, yet by definition a severely adverse environmental force is required at an early, critical stage of childhood. Gross neglect of an infant is inherently pathogenic for our species, in which the period of infant dependence is so prolonged. Neglect should decrease parental fitness, as measured by survival of offspring and this effect is magnified, not reduced, in situations of peril. Basic reflexes of our species (as in most mammals) serve to detect danger and to promote proximity of parent and infant, so that at speed, action comes first, reflection later. Powerful evolutionary pressure applies against abandonment because, compared to most species, the human infant has little chance for survival, without direct and close protection.
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Shreeve, D.F. (2012). A Discussion and Critique of RAD. In: Reactive Attachment Disorder. SpringerBriefs in Psychology(). Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1647-0_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1647-0_4
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