title: Peer behavior conceptualized as a variable influencing infant and toddler development.
abstract: It is hypothesized that interaction between infants may serve to facilitate their overall behavioral development, particularly if the environment is structured to maximize the developmental quality of the interaction. The developmental literature, which has largely ignorned the potential value of infant peer interaction is reviewed, and several lines of psychological theory and investigation are cited in support of the hypothesis. Development of a technology for enhancing infant interaction is proposed, and initial research questions are suggested.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000374:Aggression; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002652:Child Behavior; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002657:Child Development; D003423:Critical Period, Psychological; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012919:Social Behavior; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012932:Social Facilitation; D012934:Social Isolation