Ethology and psychotherapy

The essential role of ritual in the transmission and reinforcement of social norms.

“…(d) Finally, for malization is seen in the social games that occur between infants and caregivers, such as peek-a-boo, where restricted, stylized gestures (hands over the eyes representing a hidden face) are commonplace. Formalization is also seen more generally in that most infant-caregiver interactions over the first few months fea ture simplified, exaggerated, repetitious movements and facial expressions (called "motionese") and similar-type vocal utterances (Brand, Baldwin, & Ashburn, 2002;Schelde & Hertz, 1994), As infants mature, both the motionese and infant-directed speech aspects of infant-caregiver interactions continue to be highly salient in situations where adults model behavioral skills to toddlers and young children. Learning to use utensils, picking up toys, tying shoes, and the host of other practical skills that children must acquire are typically demonstrated to children by adults using attention-getting, repetitious, exaggerated gestures and vocaliza tions (such as "sing-song" melodies) that model and describe the necessary behavioral actions, This article proposes that there is an important connection between ritualized infant-caregiver interactions and the acquisi tion of social norms.…”

The rhetorical organization of verbal and nonverbal behavior in emotion talk

“…With respect to psychotherapy and psychiatric interviews, Scheide and Hertz (1994) talked about the value of focusing on NV as well as verbal behavior. They stated that 'No doubt an important means in any kind of psychotherapy is the verbal communication between patient and doctor/therapist.…”

Becoming Homo Aestheticus : Sources of Aesthetic Imagination in Mother-Infant Interactions

“…In addition to the repetitive and exaggerated affiliative vocalizations of infant-directed speech (the high pitch, soft volume, inviting pauses, and gentle undulations of which are nonthreatening and nonassertive), 3 mothers use exaggerated affiliative facial expressions of Look At, Eyebrow Flash, Raise Eyebrows, Head Bob, Smile, and Nod (Schelde and Hertz 1994;Grant 1968Grant , 1972 and Mutual Gaze, and rhythmically repeated affiliative gestures (Touch, Stroke, Pat, Hold hand, Groom, Hug, and Kiss). Such gestures, and some of the facial expressions, are also conspicuous in affiliative contexts in other primates, particularly in chimpanzees and bonobos (deWaal 1997).…”