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Cognitive and social development in infants and toddlers with a bipolar parent

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Abstract

This research was designed to compare early patterns of cognitive and social development in young children from families with and without a bipolar parent. 27 children (seven probands and 20 controls) were followed longitudinally during the second and third years of life. They were administered normed infant tests to assess physical object permanence, self-recognition, social role-taking, and attachment to the caregiver. There were no deficits in the performance of children from bipolar families on the cognitive tests. In contrast, on assessments that involved social relations, either with other persons or with symbolic representations of others, there were significant disturbances. Children with a bipolar parent showed developmental deficits in taking another's perspective and they displayed insecure patterns of attachment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max Planck Institute for Human Development & Education, Berlin

    Michael Chapman Ph.D.

  2. Laboratory of Developmental Psychology, 15-K, 9000 Rockville Pike, 20205, Bethesda, Maryland

    Carolyn Zahn-Waxler Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Carolyn Zahn-Waxler Ph.D.
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  2. Michael Chapman Ph.D.
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  3. E. Mark Cummings Ph.D.
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Additional information

National Institute of Mental Health

We would like to thank Geri Cooperman, Rita Dettmers, Christine Grewell, Anne Mayfield, and Jean Welsh for their assistance on this project.

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Zahn-Waxler, C., Chapman, M. & Cummings, E.M. Cognitive and social development in infants and toddlers with a bipolar parent. Child Psych Hum Dev 15, 75–85 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706165

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706165

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