Gahvora cradling in Tajikistan: Cultural practices and associations with motor development

Abstract

A central issue in developmental science is the role of experience in child learning and development (Greenough et al., 1987;Piaget, 1954). To what extent do particular experiences at particular developmental time points facilitate acquisition of particular skills? Experimental evidence, of course, is the gold standard to demonstrate causality. Classic work in behavioral embryology (Haverkamp & Oppenheim, 1986), ethology (Lorenz, 1965, and comparative psychology (Harlow & Harlow, 1961) tested the role of experience by experimentally depriving non-human infants of putative, critical experiences. Although deprivation experiments are not possible with human infants, natural experiments and cultural comparisons can shed light on the importance of particular experiences. For example, lack of patterned visual input in infancy prior to cataract removal compromises later visual acuity, global motion, and face processing (Maurer, 2017). Likewise, lack of exposure to speech in infancy prior to cochlear implants attenuates sensitivity to the sounds of language (e.g., Pisoni, 2000).In cultures that do not have words for numbers (e.g., the Piraha in Amazonia), children and adults lack specific aspects of numerical cognition (Gordon, 2004).For decades, research on motor development and physical growth was dominated by a maturational perspective that de-emphasized the role of experience (e.g., Gesell, 1928). Here, we examined the effects of early restricted movement on infant and child motor and physical development due to a traditional cradling practice in Central Asia in which babies are bound supine for extended periods. We focused on foundational motor skills (sitting, crawling, standing, walking) that are critical for functional behavior with downstream consequences on other psychological domains (Adolph & Hoch, 2019;Campos et al., 2000). And we used head dimensions as corroborating evidence for prolonged time in a supine position. Moreover, motor behavior and physical growth are directly observable and measurable, providing a useful window into general developmental processes.

Diversity and representation in infant research: Barriers and bridges toward a globalized science of infant development

“…However, too often, these compilations were conducted using Western samples, with children reared in Western traditions where childrearing practices are child-centered, the environment is object-abundant for play, and infants are free to move and encouraged to explore. This approach neglects cultural variation in infants' everyday experiences created by childrearing practices, such as how caregivers handle, position, and dress their infants which may offer unique opportunities for movement and exploration (Adolph et al, 2010;Adolph & Hoch, 2019;Adolph & Robinson, 2015;Karasik et al, 2022Karasik et al, , 2023.…”

Longitudinal relations between independent walking, body position, and object experiences in home life.

“…While restrained in place, infants can only interact with nearby people and objects; while unrestrained, infants can crawl or walk to distant locations and seek out objects of interest. Motor development may be hindered by spending long amounts of time restrained (Abbott & Bartlett, 2001; Fay et al, 2006; Karasik et al, 2023). However, restraint may also facilitate exploratory opportunities that infants could not otherwise achieve.…”