Are We Violating Evolved Expected Care and Does It Matter?

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1 Are We Violating Evolved Expected Care and Does It Matter? Darcia Narvaez, University of Notre Dame 2012 Symposium on Human Evolution and Human Development

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5 Developmental niche The reliable and repeatable features of stimulation and experience occurring in an organism s developmental context the set of ecological & social circumstances typically inherited by members of a given species ontogenetic niche (West and King,1987)

6 Developmental niche Extragenetic factors part of each organism s inheritance Every ontogenetic cycle depends on the availability of a particular set of these developmental resources, reconstructed in each generation From a developmental perspective, the recurrence from generation to generation of the specific developmental resources and interactions that make up an organism s ontogenetic niche serves as a primary basis for the development and maintenance of its species-typical behavior Lickliter & Harshaw, 2010

7 Evolved expected support provided Smart, effective creature Species-Typical Developmental Niche Species-Typical Outcome

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9 Exploring the human development niche HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO HUMANS?

10 Human babies are needy Born 9-18 months early developmentally (Trevathan, 2011) 25% of brain volume at full-term birth (40-42 weeks) 80% by age 3 Human babies require exterogestation (Montagu, 1978)

11 Early body/mind co-construction by caregivers Developmentally plastic dynamic system Constructive interactionism (Oyama) Constant interaction between nature and nurture Epigenetic effects of early experience for all brain/body systems Emotion systems, pleasure focus and social worldview (Tomkins) The self (social and moral) (Schore; Stern; Trevarthen)

12 What is evolved, expected care? Inheritance, with slight variance, from catarrhine mammalian practices over 30 million years old Hewlett & Lamb, 2005; Konner, 2010; Narvaez, Panksepp, Schore & Gleason, 2012

13 Developmental Niche for Young Children (Slight variance from catarrhine mammalian practices over 30 million years old) TOUCH: Held or kept near others constantly RESPONSIVITY: Prompt responses to fusses and cries BREASTFEEDING: Nursed frequently (2-3 times/hr initially) for 2-5 years ALLOPARENTS: Frequently cared for by individuals other than mothers (fathers and grandmothers, in particular) PLAY: Enjoy free play in natural world with multiage playmates SOCIAL SUPPORT: High social embeddedness NATURAL CHILDBIRTH Hewlett & Lamb, 2005; Konner, 2010; Narvaez, Panksepp, Schore & Gleason, 2012)

14 Developmental Niche for Young Children TOUCH: Held or kept near others constantly RESPONSIVITY: Prompt responses to fusses and cries BREASTFEEDING: Nursed frequently (2-3 times/hr initially) for 2-5 years Epigenetics for anxiety (Meaney), growth (Field, Hofer) HPA axis (McEwan), Vagal tone (Porges) Intelligence, health (USDHHS) ALLOPARENTS: Frequently cared for by individuals other than mothers (fathers (Hrdy) and grandmothers, in particular) PLAY: Enjoy More free self play control, in natural world social with skills multiage (e.g., playmates Panksepp) SOCIAL SUPPORT: High Greater social health embeddedness and wellbeing NATURAL CHILDBIRTH Greater openness, greater maternal responsivity Bonding (Bystrova), Intelligence (Simon-Areces), immunity (Schlinzig)

15 Excess Health Risks Associated with Not Breastfeeding Among Full-Term Infants (USDHHS, 2011) Outcome % Higher Risk Acute ear infection (otitis media)2 100 Eczema (atopic dermatitis)11 47 Diarrhea and vomiting (gastrointestinal infection)3 178 Hospitalization for lower respiratory tract diseases in the first year4 257 Asthma, with family history2 67 Asthma, no family history2 35 Childhood obesity7 32 Type 2 diabetes mellitus6 64 Acute lymphocytic leukemia2 23 Acute myelogenous leukemia5 18 Sudden infant death syndrome2 56Outcome

16 Contributors Lisa Amir Helen Ball Jay Belsky Gay Bradshaw C. Sue Carter Tiffany Field Joseph Flanders Alison Fleming Tracy Gleason Peter Gray Barry Hewlett Jerome Kagan Melvin Konner Michael Lamb David Loye James McKenna Michael Meaney Darcia Narvaez Eric Nelson Jaak Panksepp Anthony Pellegrini Bruce Perry Steve Porges James Prescott Allan Schore Daniel Siegel Howard Steele Ross Thompson Colwyn Trevarthen Wenda Trevathan Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg William Mason

17 Early experience sets up structure and function of physiology Stress response (Gunnar) Immune system (Coe) Endocrine system (McEwan) Neurotransmitters (number, function) Emotions and emotion systems (Perry, Pollak) Corpus callosum (Teicher) Brain hemispheric integration (Teicher) Gaps or lesions in brain systems. Results of trauma, abuse, or neglect And toxic stress of undercare? Narvaez (forthcoming)

18 Inadequate early care is toxic Undermines physiological and psychosocial functioning Creating inadequate Brain structural integrity Hormonal regulation System integration that lead to sociality USA has epidemics of anxiety, depression among all age groups suggesting widespread deficiencies (Hofer, 1987; Lewis et al., 2000; USDHHS, 1999)

19 Stress changes gene expression which alters synapses Kang HJ, Voleti B, Hajszan T, Rajkowska G, Stockmeier CA, Licznerski P, Lepack A, Majik MS, Jeong LS, Banasr M, Son H, Duman RS (August 2012). Decreased expression of synapse-related genes and loss of synapses in major depressive disorder. Nature Medicine 18.

20 Evolved expected support NOT provided Species-Atypical Developmental Niche Outside normal range of intelligence & effectiveness Species Atypical Outcome

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22 HOW IS EARLY EXPERIENCE RELATED TO MORAL FUNCTIONING? Does early experience matter?

23 Early Life Sets the Stage for Social and Moral Development Mutually responsive orientation (Kochanska) and secure attachment (e.g., Kochanska, 2002; Weinfield et al., 2008) Empathy (Zahn-Waxler, Radke-Yarrow, Eisenberg) Self-regulation (Weinfield et al., 2008) Conscience (Kochanska) Openness (Greenspan & Shanker, 2004) Agency/self-efficacy/competence (Weinfield et al., 2008) Responsiveness matters!

24 Family Life Project Developmental Optimality Lijuan (Peggy) Wang Jennifer Lefever Ying (Alison) Cheng Tracy Gleason

25 The Ancestral Early Caregiving Environment TOUCH: Held or kept near others constantly RESPONSIVITY: Prompt responses to fusses and cries BREASTFEEDING: Frequent (2-3 times/hr initially), 2-5 yrs ALLOPARENTS: Frequently cared for by individuals other than mothers (fathers and grandmothers, in particular) PLAY: Enjoy multiage play groups in early childhood SOCIAL SUPPORT: High social embeddedness NATURAL CHILDBIRTH Hewlett & Lamb, 2005; Konner, 2005; 2010

26 Family Life Project 1. Longitudinal observations & maternal questionnaires and interviews from 4 to 36 months (data from the Centers for the Prevention of Child Neglect; n=636) 2. Maternal survey in China (n=383) 3. Maternal survey in USA (n=436) 4. Maternal survey of touch, China and USA 5. Maternal survey of nurturing parenting attitudes USA (n=166)

27 Study 1: Longitudinal EEA-Consistent/Inconsistent Behaviors Breastfeeding (retrospective maternal report at 36 months) Maternal responsivity (HOME observation) Positive & negative touch (interview) Social support (interview) Child Outcomes (maternal reports of behavior) Behavior regulation Social engagement Cooperation Behavior problems (internalizing/externalizing) Competence Cognitive development (intelligence, auditory comprehension, expressive communication)

28 Participants 682 mother-child pairs 396 adolescents (Mean age = 17.5 years, SD = years) 169 were adults with lower education levels (Mean age = 25.5 years, SD = 3.0) 117 were adults with higher education levels (Mean age = 27.9 years, SD = 3.9). 65% African American, 19% European American, 15% Hispanic American

29 Procedure Tested 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months Maternal behavior: extracted questions for breastfeeding, touch, responsivity, maternal social support Child outcomes: IQ, externalizing, internalizing, competence, cooperation, social engagement, self-regulation

30 Positive touch (4 mo.) Positive touch (8 mo.) Positive touch (30 mo.) Social Support (6 Mo.) Social Support (18 Mo.) Child Outcomes Responsivity (4 mo.) Responsivity (8 mo.) Responsivity (18 mo.) Responsivity (30 mo.) Behavioral regulation (18 mo.).15**.07.15**.19**.13*.14*.20**.21**.06 Behavioral regulation (30 mo.).17**.23**.27**.33** ** Cooperation (18 mo.).11.15*.26**.16**.12*.00.20**.27**.17** Cooperation (30 mo.).18**.21**.20**.26** **.18**.17** Social engagement (18 mo.).23**.23**.38**.30**.09.16**.27**.21**.14** Social engagement (30 mo.).19**.21**.20**.38**.08.20**.35**.14*.06 Externalizing behaviors (24 mo.) ** -.12* -.18** * -.19** -.25** -.16** Externalizing behaviors (36 mo.) * ** * -.24** -.14* -.13* Internalizing behaviors (24 mo.) * -.14* -.16** * Internalizing behaviors (36 mo.) * -.15** * Competence (24 mo.).02.23**.15**.13*.06.13*.23**.29**.23** Competence (36 mo.).20**.23**.21**.28** **.22**.21** Intelligence (24 mo.).13*.10.17**.22** *.06.12* Intelligence (36 mo.).21**.15*.19**.29**.13*.13*.25**.10.15* Auditory comprehension (24 mo.).21**.19**.24**.29** **.15*.17** Auditory comprehension (36 mo.).23**.17**.19**.31**.16*.13*.24**.20**.09 Expressive communication (24 mo.).19**.19**.24**.29** *.14*.15** Expressive communication (36 mo.).21**.16*.16**.30**.11.13*.25**.17**.13*

31 Behavior Regulation Social Engagement Breastfeeding Initiation Responsivity 18, 30 18,30+ Positive Touch Maternal Social Support 18, 30 Cooperation 18, 30 18, 30 Externalizing 24 24, (not) Internalizing 24,36+ (not) Competence 24, , 36+ Cognitive Development 30, , 36 Shown with all controls (covariates and previous time point) +with covariates only

32 Caregiving Child outcome Coefficients Model Fit Breastfeeding (0 = no, 1 = yes) Prosocial behaviors 18 mo..10* χ²(20, N = 583) = 26.84, p =.14 CFI =.963, RMSEA =.059 Touch At 4 mo. At 4 mo. Change (4-30 mo.) Behavior problems 24 mo. -.15* χ²(20, N = 583) = 14.59, p =.80 CFI =.983, RMSEA =.039 Behavior problems 24 mo. Behavior problems 36 mo. Behavior problems 36 mo. -.03ns -.17* -.03ns χ² (59, N =583) = 79.52, p =.04 CFI =.933, RMSEA =.057 At 4 mo. At 4 mo. Change (4-30 mo.) Cognitive ability 24 mo. Cognitive ability 36 mo. Cognitive ability 36 mo. -.11*.23* -.06ns χ²(87, N = 583) = , p =.06, CFI =.933, RMSEA =.056 Social Support Prosocial behaviors 18 mo. Prosocial behaviors 30 mo..27*.11* χ²(41, N = 583) = 59.05, p =.03 CFI =.934, RMSEA =.062 Behavior problems 24 mo. -.24* χ²(29, N = 583) =20.80, p =.87 CFI =.980, RMSEA =.037 Cognitive ability 24 mo..15* χ²(39, N = 583) = 33.10, p =.74 CFI =.976, RMSEA =.040

33 Responsivity on Cooperation Responsivity 4 months Responsivity 8 months 1 1 Intercept Maternal Responsivity *.11* Cooperation 18 months.18* Responsivity 18 months Responsivity 30 months * 1 Slope Maternal Responsivity.17* Cooperation 30 months χ² (13, N = 583) = 14.59, p =.33 CFI =.968 RMSEA =.061

34 Social Support on Cooperation Social Support 6 Months Social Support 18 Months Social Support 1.88*.780 Cooperation 18 months.168* Cooperation 30 months χ² (5 df ) = 7.54, p =.18 CFI =.992 RMSEA =.072

35 Social Support on Externalizing Behaviors Social Support 6 Months Social Support -.503* Externalizing Behaviors 24 months.547* Social Support 18 Months.002 Externalizing Behaviors 36 months χ² (5 df ) = 3.81, p =.58 CFI =.996 RMSEA =.055

36 Social Support on Competence Social Support 6 Months Social Support 18 Months Social Support.624*.123 Competence 24 months.631* Competence 36 months χ² (5 df ) = 2.90, p =.72 CFI =.997 RMSEA =.049

37 Positive Touch on Behavioral Regulation Positive Touch 4 months 1 Positive Touch (4 Months).436* Behavioral Regulation 18 months 1 Positive Touch 8 months Positive Touch 30 months Latent Change in Positive Touch between 4 and 30 mos * Behavioral Regulation 30 months χ² (7 df ) = 11.43, p =.12 CFI =.944 RMSEA =.076

38 Positive Touch on Social Engagement Positive Touch 4 months 1 Intercept Positive Touch (4 Months).598* Social Engagement 18 months 1 Positive Touch 8 months Positive Touch 30 months Latent Change in Positive Touch between 4 and 30 mos.687* * Social Engagement 30 months χ² (7 df ) = 15.31, p =.03 CFI =.940 RMSEA =.086

39 After Controlling for Age/Education, Income/needs, and Responsivity Breastfeeding initiation: less AGGRESSION at age 2 Positive touch: greater INTELLIGENCE and SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT at at 3 Maternal social support: less AGGRESSION and more SOCIAL COMPETENCE at 24 months, greater COOPERATION at 18 and 30 months NOTE: Maternal RESPONSIVITY pattern set by 4 months of age

40 Study 2: China 383 mothers of 3-year-olds in China 45-minute survey Family Life Attitudes and Behavior Measure (FLAM): breastfeeding, touch, childbirth, play, maternal support, caregivers, childbirth Reliable child outcome measures: maternal reports, from My Child (Kochanska) and CBQ (Rothman)

41 ACP variables Inhibitory control Selfregulation Empathy Guilt Concern Breastfeeding length (months) 2.5% 3.1% 3.8% - - (.041) (.018) (.024) Breastfeeding attitudes 0.9% 0.6% (.118) (.415) Touch behavior in infancy 1.3% 1.5% 3.9% 0.8% - (.034) (.023) (.000) (.093) Touch behavior now 2.7% 1.5% 1.4% 2.4% - (.002) (.021) (.022) (.003) Touch attitudes 1.4% 0.0% - (.025) (.512) - - Number of kin caregivers (linear) 1.3% (.033) Number of kin caregivers - (quadratic) Number of non-kin caregivers 1.1% (.049) Family cohesion behavior 1.8% (.011) Family cohesion attitudes 2.6% (.002) Play with mom 2.0% (.008) Play with other adults 1.2% (.027) Play with mom attitudes 4.1% (.000) Play with other adults attitudes 3.9% (.000) Childbirth attitudes 4.7% (.058) 1.4% (.029,.042) - 3.1% (.001,.005) % (.001) - 1.9% (.009) 2.0% (.004) 1.0% (.058) 3.1% (.001) % (.020) 1.3% (.027) 1.3% (.015) 3.9% (.002) 2.3% (.043) 10.2% (.014) 0.6% (.127) % (.042) 0.7% (.044) 7.1% (.022) - 3.9% (.000) 2.4% (.005) 1.0% (.070) 1.1% (.040) 1.6% (.011) - 9.8% (.000)

42 Conclusions The findings presented here indicate a small but significant role for developmental niche practices For behavioral regulation, empathy, and conscience, the patterns suggest that each practice contributes to moral development in different ways. Moreover, these parenting practices make contributions beyond responsivity alone.

43 Study 3: USA 647 mothers of 3-year-olds in USA 45-minute survey Family Life Attitudes and Behavior Measure (FLAM): breastfeeding, touch, childbirth, play, maternal support, caregivers, childbirth Reliable child outcome measures: maternal reports, from My Child (Kochanska) and CBQ (Rothman)

44 Caregiving variables Inhibitory Control Self-Regulation Empathy Guilt Concern after Wrong Breastfeeding choice.428 (.004).049 (.667).215 (.014).128 (.229).318 (.128) Breastfeeding length (months) (.524).006 (.166).004 (.143) (.150) (.190) Breastfeeding Attitudes.126 (.166) (.246).137 (.072) (.683) (.889) Touch behavior in infancy.378 (.000) (.758).377 (.000) (.516).069 (.644) Touch behavior now.489 (.000).274 (.000).388 (.000) (.499).141 (.227) Touch attitudes (.000).536 (.020).922 (.000) (.129) (.424) Maternal responsivity.433 (.000).250 (.000).243 (.000) (.223).060 (.587) Number of primary kin caregivers.009 (.807).106 (.102) (.924).030 (.376).009 (.540) Number of primary non-kin caregivers.099 (.294) (.759).049 (.389).003 (.968) (.236) Ratio between #kin and #nonkin (.239).090 (.407) (.893).023 (.810).373 (.039) Closeness of primary kin caregivers.440 (.080).296 (.092).308 (.016) (.524) (.159) Closeness of primary non-kin caregivers.059 (.497).033 (.641).073 (.204) (.578) (.732) Family routines behavior.362 (.042) Family routines attitudes.216 (.188) Play with mom.506 (.005) Play with other adults.265 (.066) Play with mom attitudes (.915) Play with other adults attitudes.060 (.737) Childbirth attitudes.282 (.007).308 (.049).230 (.071) (.822) (.753).241 (.179) (.514) (.426) (.698) (.969) (.219) (.001) (.760) (.168) (.399) (.931) (.079) (.895) (.332) (.407) (.286) (.418) (.669) (.932) (.992) (.575) (.864) (.981) (.575)

45 Study 4: Comparing Touch Effects Mothers of three year olds; USA (n=647) and China (n=383) Mothers reported on positive and negative touch now and as baby: I cuddled/kissed, hugged target child as a baby I slapped, hit or pinched target child as a baby when needed. l=many times a day, 2=several times a day, 3=at least once a day, 4=less than once a day Mothers completed standardized measures of child development from Kochanska s My Child and Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ)

46 Preliminary Results (after controlling for maternal age, education and responsivity) USA (n=647) Positive touch.365 Empathy Guilt Concern after Wrongdoing Self Regulation.104 CBQ Inhibitory Control.280 (p =.000) (p =.976) (p =.337) (p =.350) (p =.017) Negative touch (lack of).196 (p =.000) (p =.817).044 (p =.691).104 (p =.350).160 (p =.036) CHINA Empathy Guilt Concern (n=383) after Wrongdoing Positive touch Self Regulation.122 CBQ Inhibitory Control.166 Negative touch (lack of) (p =.003).150 (p =.017) (p =.334) (p =.874) (p =.001).012 (p =.885) (p =.012).069 (p =.212) (p =.005).094 (p =.171)

47 General Findings Across Studies Natural birth (no c-section) Breastfeeding Nursed frequently (2-3 times/hr initially) for 2-5 years (average weaning at 4 years) Can Influence Breastfeeding success Whole brain and body development Known Physical Health Effects Immune system development Digestive system Immune system Neurobiology Respiratory system Stress reactivity Vagal tone intelligence, perception, less cancer and diabetes, all around better health Known Mental Health Effects Stress reactivity and cognitive vigilance Lower incidence of depression, aggression Moral Development Effects* Empathy 1 Self-regulation 2 Breastfeeding initiation: Prosocial behavior 3a Behavior problems 3a Breastfeeding length: Inhibitory-control 2 Conscience 2

48 Positive Touch (Held or kept near others constantly) Can Influence Known Physical Health Effects Growth and personality Immune system Neurobiology Respiratory system Stress reactivity Vagal tone Growth, selfregulation, genes turned on to control anxiety (not turned on with lack of touch) Known Mental Health Effects Higher calmness and oxytocin Moral Development Effects* Touch in infancy: Empathy 1,2 Self-regulation 2 Inhibitory control 2 Behavior problems 3b Cognitive ability 3b Touch now: Empathy, 1,2 Self-regulation, 1,2 Inhibitory control 1,2 Conscience 2

49 Caregiver responsivity (Prompt responses to fusses and cries) Can Influence Known Physical Health Effects All child outcomes Cardiac system Digestive system Immune system Neurobiology Respiratory system Stress reactivity Vagal tone Calm brain, low stress reactivity Known Mental Health Effects Moral Development Effects* All child outcomes Empathy 1 Self-regulation 1 Inhibitory control 1 Prosocial behavior 3d Behavior problems 3d Cognitive ability 3d

50 Free play (Enjoy free play in natural world with multiage playmates) Can Influence Known Physical Health Effects System growth and tune up Known Mental Health Effects Self-regulation, social skills, lower incidence of ADHD Moral Development Effects* Play with mom: Empathy 1,2 Self-regulation 2 Inhibitory control 1,2 Play with other adults: Empathy 1,2 Self-regulation 2 Inhibitory control 1,2 Conscience 2

51 Multiple alloparents and maternal social support (Shared care by adults other than mothers) Can Influence Known Physical Health Effects Maternal behavior Indirect effects on all child outcomes Known Mental Health Effects Indirect effects on all child outcomes Moral Development Effects* Multiple adult caregivers: Self-regulation 1,2 Conscience 2 Maternal social support: Prosocial behavior 3c Behavior problems 3c

52 Caregiving Practice & Child Outcomes Empathy Conscience Selfregulation Cooperation IQ Depression (not) Aggression (not) Natural Childbirth Breastfeeding initiation Breastfeeding Length Touch Responsivity Play Social support/ Multiple caregivers

53 Study 5: Nurturing Parenting Attitudes, Preliminary data Mothers of 3-5 year olds took survey online This was a validation study of several revised attitude measures Maternal reports of parenting attitudes towards Responsivity, Touch, Play, Multiple caregivers Maternal reports of child depression, anxiety and misbehavior, happiness, empathy, and socio-moral orientations Socio-moral orientations: relational attunement social consideration socially-oriented imagination opposition distrust withdrawal

54 B) e1 Responsivity Attitudes 1.96* (.83) Social Withdrawal 1 (.75) e2 e3 1.51* (.48) Touch Attitudes Play Attitudes.87* (.75).60* (.78).68* (.68) Nurturing Parenting 1.40* (.30) -.77* (-.69) Mental Health Problems.13 (.05) 3.03* (.80) 3.18* (.75) Depression Anxiety e4 Caregiver Attitudes Income 1 (.49) Neuroticism

55 C) e1 Responsivity Attitudes 1 (.75) 1 (.94) Opposition e2 e3 1.51* (.48) Touch Attitudes Play Attitudes.87* (.75).60* (.78).68* (.68) Nurturing Parenting 1.40* (.30) -1.33* (-.47) Antisocial Behaviors.56 (.09).04* (.53).18* (.48) Misbehavior Distrust e4 Caregiver Attitudes Income

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57 Caregiving Wellbeing and Moral Nature Early Formation Health, Habits, Worldview

58 Relational Attunement: Ethic of Engagement Mammalian emotional systems drive us towards intimacy Social and sexual instincts, empathy and parental care, play (Darwin, 1872) that underlie Darwin s moral sense Primed by supportive, caring relationships and environments Secure attachment (Bowlby) Intersubjectivity and companionship care (Trevarthen) Focused on present moment Emotion systems: upper limbic: CARE, PLAY Behaviors: compassionate response, egalitarian social play, acceptance, social non-self Schore, 1994

59 Evolved expected support NOT provided Species-Atypical Developmental Niche Outside normal range of intelligence & effectiveness Species Atypical Outcome

60 Relational Self-protection: Ethic of Safety Based primarily in instincts for survival (brainstem, lower limbic system) Systems shared with all animals (Panksepp 1998) Available at birth Instincts primed by perception of fearful climate or situation Takes over attention Depletes resources for higher order processes Shifts attention to the self, lowering empathy Useful for moments of physical threat, otherwise is pathological

61 Safety Subtype 1: Bunker Morality Fight Based in the activating sympathetic system Defensive or reactive aggression Feels good and right Self-preservational externalizing Early trauma->personality disposition Ambivalent/Anxious attachment Emotion systems: SEEKING, RAGE Behaviors: abuse, bullying, blaming Henry & Wang, 1998

62 Safety Subtype 2: Wallflower Morality Freezing or disassociative Flight Based in the systems that protect body from death or psychological trauma Submission, passivity, detachment Compliance with an authority Self-preservational internalizing Early trauma->personality disposition Anaclytic or introjective depression Emotion systems: FEAR, SEPARATION DISTRESS Behaviors: compulsiveness (caregiving, compliance), obsessiveness hoarding, withdrawal, paralysis Henry & Wang, 1998

63 SAFETY or SECURITY ETHIC ENGAGEMENT ETHIC Subjective moral orientations CONDITIONED PAST IMAGINATION ETHIC PRESENCE Right brain dominant FOCUS ON POSSIBILITY Left brain dominant

64 Undercare: Inadequate Early Care SECURITY ETHIC ENGAGEMENT ETHIC Humans are the only animals Detached Imagination that deny their young Wallflower Vicious Imagination Personal Imagination what they need Subjective moral orientations Bunker CONDITIONED PAST IMAGINATION ETHIC PRESENCE Right brain dominant FOCUS ON POSSIBILITY Left brain dominant

65 Personal Imagination The MORAL ZONE (objectively) Wallflower Detached Imagination ENGAGEMENT ETHIC SECURITY ETHIC Vicious Imagination Communal Imagination Harmony Morality Bunker Subjective moral orientations CONDITIONED PAST IMAGINATION ETHIC PRESENCE Right brain dominant Engagement Distress FOCUS ON POSSIBILITY Left brain dominant MINDFUL MORALITY

66 Nomadic Forager Life (our 99%) Subjectivity of all, Connection, Intersubjectivity, Harmony Emotionally Engaged Imagination Imagination ethic Safety ethic Higher consciousness Engagement ethic Shared music, dance, song, laughter---> underlies moral sense?

67 Epigenetics of Moral Development Neurobiology of Self and Relationships Personality Early experience and during sensitive periods Agreeableness (Kochanska) Empathic orientation (Tomkins) Cooperative selfregulation (Sroufe) Ethical Orientation Self-protection Engagement Imagination (Triune Ethics, Narvaez)

68 Western Life Self- Protection Ethic Shared superstition Hierarchy, Status, Dominance Alienation from Nature and Relationships (hungry ghost) Imagination ethic Vicious Imagination Emotionally Detached Imagination Engagement ethic

69 A different baseline Natural self interest? For the greater part of humanity, self interest as we know it is unnatural in the normative sense; it is considered madness, witchcraft or somesuch grounds for ostracism, execution or at least therapy. Rather than expressing a pre-social human nature, such avarice is generally taken for a loss of humanity. Marshall Sahlins, The Western Illusion of Human Nature

70 Which moral sense? Solo pleasure Detachment from relationships Self-concern Dysregulation Self-interest Competition Egoism Concern with purity, ingroup dominance, authority Social pleasure Empathy Social concern Habit control Interdependence Mutual relationship Cooperation Compassion Concern with reciprocity, egalitarian respect

71 Conclusions Early toxic stress undermines health and wellbeing (not debatable) It also undermines morality Poor childrearing pushes us to lower levels of ethics (e.g., egoism), and we begin to think it is universal human nature Cannot assume that Western brains represent full human capacities Moral development and brain function may be compromised

72 2013, W.W. Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology

73 For More Information and Papers Download papers from webpage: Psychology Today blog: Moral Landscapes

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