The "Still Face" Experiment by Dr Ed Tronick

Dr. Ed Tronick talks about his ground-breaking "Still Face" Experiment. This was taken from a presentation he gave. #EdTronick #earlychildhood #earlychildhooddevelopment #infants #thestillface ‪@umasschan‬

[@susaville]

My mother did the still face as a punishment to me as far back as I can remember. Displease her, and you dont exist. You're less than worthless. Never really thought much about it till this video. Side note, though: I cut contact with her five years ago, after 36 years of her shenanigans.
Love your children.

[@angelomiguel5346]

Even after years, this video does not stop amazing me. Simple experiment, yet captures gold when it comes to human development. The video itself is not prescriptive in any way, just shows how the dance between a caregiver and their child goes. Yet, make us wonder (yes, science came up with answers already) about what might happen (to both caregiver and child) as a result of repeated responsive/unresponsive interactions. I often watch this video, and always feel the pleasure and awe of (re)discovering the beauty of these mechanisms, as well as how things ended up working out (or not) for humans and many living beings in this world.

[@stephaniegormley9982]

I couldn't do this with a stranger's child at a super market, far less my own child.

[@xxyes8879]

I'm pretty sure you have already with both, and just haven't noticed. All people have shitty days or days when they feel ill and tired and can't fake enthusiasm or engage in a way a baby needs or wants. It is just when its a regular or prolonged situation with a primary caregiver that it can cause psychological issues and difficulties in relationships as they become adults.

[@jamesoshea580]

​@xxyes8879 you think parents are blank face staring at their children for several minutes and not realising?

[@9879SigmundS]

Very uncomfortable to watch a parent do this intentionally. However, it was shortlived, and more parents should watch so they will be less likely to do it unintentionally.
Kudos to mother and baby.

[@lataishaarmstrong6451]

​@jamesoshea580 if they are distracted, yeah. I've personally been in an intense text exchange while baby wearing and realized my son was bidding for attention and had to apologize and repair. We are human and things happen.

[@jamesoshea580]

@@lataishaarmstrong6451 you were distracted by an intense text exchange and still managed to stare blankly into your child's eyes? For several minutes?

[@breakthecycle1971]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@awprc]

Wow. Almost 100 pixels. Stunning resolution

[@aukenan7730]

Oh look a funny guy 🤓 👆