answersLogoWhite

0

Smiling is an important social behaviour in humans, from infancy onwards, because it is the primary body-language method of showing other humans we are friendly, mean no harm, and - especially in infants - like the person they're smiling at.

When a person smiles at you, your first instinct is to smile back, and to feel liking for them and empathy with them.

So when a human at a vulnerable stage of development, or in a vulnerable situation, smiles at another human, the other person is encouraged to behave kindly and supportively towards them.

In this way, smiling is primary survival behaviour.

Our body language is also important when relating to non-humans. When we, for example, smile instinctively or deliberately at an animal, other positive and friendly body-language also comes automatically into play. An animal which may have a tendency to take fright, or to be aggressive, is soothed; this effect is very obvious in our interaction with dogs, but is also effective with less intelligent species: as between humans, it frequently isn't the smile alone, but its associated body-language which reassures.

Touch, of the positive sort, is an extension of the body-language involved in smiling, and reinforces the effect.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Psychology

What is a behavior that is inborn and does not have to be learned?

An example of a behavior that is 'inborn' and does not not have to be learned is instinct. Instincts are inborn patterns of activity or tendencies to actions common to specific biological species.


Why is it of interest that the behavior of infants can be influenced by operant conditioning?

Understanding how operant conditioning influenced infant behavior can provide insights into how learning processes shape early development and can inform effective parenting strategies. Observing how infants respond to rewards and punishments can help identify effective ways to encourage positive behaviors while discouraging negative ones. Additionally, studying operant conditioning in infants can contribute to our broader understanding of cognitive and emotional development in early childhood.


Why say communication is a learned behavior?

Communication is considered a learned behavior because it involves developing skills such as language acquisition, understanding social cues, and refining proper conversational techniques. These skills are typically acquired through observation, practice, and instruction from others, highlighting the role of learning in effective communication.


Infants who repeat actions in order to get results outside their own bodies are engaging in?

This behavior is known as the sensorimotor stage of development, according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Infants learn about the world through their senses and physical actions, and through repetition, they begin to understand cause and effect relationships.


What is study of children called?

I believe it's called pedology, which is the study of children's behavior and development

Related Questions

Why is it important to address the behavior of a baby chewing on a bottle instead of drinking from it?

It is important to address the behavior of a baby chewing on a bottle instead of drinking from it because prolonged chewing on a bottle can lead to dental issues, such as tooth decay and misalignment of teeth. Encouraging proper bottle-feeding habits can help promote healthy oral development in infants.


When does someone learn to smile?

It's possible that your baby had already started smiling before they were even born. Ultrasound images made possible by advancing technology have actually captured infants smiling in-utero.


Attachment is essential for infants because it helps them?

Attachment is essential for infants because it helps them


What is the plural for infant?

The plural of infant is infants, meaning more than one infant. Example sentence: When the Registered Nurse went to check on the infants in the hospital nursery, one infant was asleep, one infant was quiet but awake, three infants were trying to suck their thumbs, and one infant was smiling due to intestinal gas.


How does the use of Tylenol impact brain development in infants and children?

The use of Tylenol in infants and children has been linked to potential negative impacts on brain development. Studies suggest that prolonged or excessive use of Tylenol may affect cognitive development and behavior in children. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before giving Tylenol to infants and children to ensure safe and appropriate use.


What is baby cooing and why is it an important developmental milestone in infants?

Baby cooing is the soft, vowel-like sounds that infants make, usually around 2-4 months of age. It is an important developmental milestone because it signifies the infant's ability to communicate and engage with others. Cooing helps infants practice vocalization and social interaction, laying the foundation for language development and bonding with caregivers.


Why is my newborn jumping in her sleep and is it normal behavior for infants?

Newborns may jump in their sleep due to the Moro reflex, which is a normal startle reflex in infants. This reflex causes them to suddenly extend their arms and legs. It is a common behavior in newborns and typically decreases as they grow older.


Why are apical pulse usually taken on infants and children?

because infants have higher average pulse rates.


Does swaddling prevent infants from rolling over?

Swaddling can prevent infants from rolling over because it restricts their movement and keeps them in a secure position. However, it is important to follow safe swaddling practices to avoid any risks of suffocation or hip dysplasia.


What is a behavior that is inborn and does not have to be learned?

An example of a behavior that is 'inborn' and does not not have to be learned is instinct. Instincts are inborn patterns of activity or tendencies to actions common to specific biological species.


How important is the positive nurturing for an infants health and well being?

Infants are most impressionable at such an age. It's essential to give them the best environment for development.


Why is consistency important when saving?

consistency is important because without the basic necessities that a small bussiness will need for the purpose of the owners benefit, many unemployed infants or small rodents will remain out of work. Who then will run the farm?