Psychoanalytic infant observation is frequently used in training psychoanalytic psychotherapists and allied professionals, but increasingly its value as a research method is being recognised, particularly in understanding developmental processes in vulnerable individuals and groups. This book explores the scope of this approach and discusses its strengths and limitations from a methodological and philosophical point of view. Infant Observation and Research uses detailed case studies to demonstrate the research potential of the infant observation method. Divided into three sections this book covers infant observation as part of the learning process how infant observation can inform understanding and influence practice psychoanalytic infant observation and other methodologies. Throughout the book, Cathy Urwin, Janine Sternberg and their contributors introduce the reader to the nature and value of psychoanalytic infant observation and its range of application. This book will therefore interest a range of mental health practitioners concerned with early development and infants' emotional relationships, as well as academics and researchers in the social sciences and humanities.

The study of infant observation is widely used as part of training to become a psychoanalytic psychotherapist; the skills learned through infant observation can be widely applied to practicing analysis with all ages. Through the delineation of the views of writers and teachers of infant observation and her own empirical research, the author addresses the reasons why infant observation is a vital part of training for all analysts.

Child Observation for Learning and Research is an exciting new text, providing a thorough grounding in the methodology, practice and interpretation of observing children. The authors draw on their experience and expertise in childcare, education, social work and research to introduce the fundamental principles and process of observation, preparing you for your first observation and building knowledge and confidence through a wide range of scenarios and activities. The book takes the unique approach of demonstrating how acquiring observational skills can serve as a key learning tool, not only helping you to understand children, but also to recognise, analyse and question theory, helping you make sense of your own learning.

Observing young children at play is an everyday and often fascinating and pleasurable experience for many of us. It also has a great pedigree in the development of psychoanalysis from Freud's observation of his grandson's game with the cotton-reel onwards. This book describes the practice of observing young children in home and nursery settings in a systematic and non-intrusive way in order to expand our understanding of their emotional, cognitive, and social development. It uses a psychoanalytic lens to enrich the meaning of what is seen. How do minds and personalities take shape? How can we train people to see what is most relevant in helping children to develop? The chapters range from classic papers by famous practitioners of an older generation to observations completed in recent years in the UK, Europe, and the US. Observation of this sort has also spread to Latin America, India, Australia, Africa, and the Far East. The differences and continuities with Infant Observation are the starting point.

Infant observation carried out within the family is a compelling approach to the study of early human development, vividly revealing the impact of intergenerational patterns of child-rearing and the complex relationship between nature and nurture. It provides unique insights into the early origins of emotional disturbance and suggests ways in which healthy development can be promoted by both professional and parent, often resulting in changes to clinical practice. Developments in Infant Observation: The Tavistock Model is a collection of twelve key papers from international contributors. It offers an overview of current practice, explores the new concepts that have arisen from direct observation, and shows how the findings from observation are being applied in the research setting. An essential text for child psychotherapists in training and practice, this is a book that brings alive the academic theories of child development through thought-provoking and stimulating case-studies which will be of interest to any professional working with children.

This is one of a new two volume edition of Collected Papers of Martha Harris and Esther Bick, which includes some papers not published in the first edition. The companion volume, Adolescence, by Martha Harris and Donald Meltzer, contains those papers by Martha Harris specifically related to adolescence.

"The book is an invaluable resource for all those on Early Years foundation degrees, degrees in Early Childhood Studies and pathways towards EYPS. It enables students to appreciate the central role of observation within Early Years education and its implications for Early Years practice. It examines current initiatives and policies as a context for discussing the theoretical background, and draws on a number of methodologies in order to develop clear and systematic ways of making observations, recording data and using it to evaluate and assess children."--BOOK JACKET.