The Effect of Circumstantial Rejection on Infant Behavior

Abstract

□ In summary, mastery of the environment, which appears to be a source of trouble for the blind infant, can only be obtained by spontaneous exploration of the environment. The willingness to explore the environment can only be accomplished if there is a secure mother-infant relationship. The relationship between the blind child and his mother is complex. In addition to identified behavior patterns of rejection of the blind child by the mother, more subtle forms of behavior may, unknowingly on the part of the mother, be interpreted by the child in such a way that the end product is similar to that of rejection. This rejection, or seeming rejection, may result in anti-exploratory behavior (stereotyped rhythms or blindisms) which may be an active regression to the safety of the blind child's own world. This anti-exploratory behavior is, therefore, substituted for, or at least interferes with, the utilization of that behavior which would ordinarily lead to mastery of the environment and a reduction of the fear of the unknown. In conclusion, a simplistic view of blindisms and of rejection by the mother of a blind child is not conducive to the development of desirable behavior changes. The key to the formulation of a specific plan of action by which the mother of the blind child may more effectively cope with the problems inherent in raising a blind child in a visually oriented world may be found in a depth analysis of mothering patterns.