The Scientific Basis of Pre- and Peri-Natal Psychology-Part 1

This paper deals with three significant parameters of Pre- and Peri-Natal
Psychology from a research perspective. First, the development and function of the CNS is examined with
particular emphasis on myelination, audiology, EEG studies and neonatal behaviour. Next, advances in our
knowledge of intrauterine learning are reviewed. Lastly, the effect of perinatal trauma on personality
development is considered. A. NEURO-EMBRYOLOGY AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY One of the central issues
in pre- and peri-natal psychology is the degree to which the unborn child is capable of appreciating his
environment and of reacting to it volitionally. Therefore, the development and functioning of the CNS is an area
of great significance. There are many ways in which we may learn about the functional maturity of the cerebral
cortex. I shall deal here with only three of these: neuroembryological and neurophysiological research, the study
of neonatal electroencephalographic patterns, and the observations of the behavioural development of
neonates.