CRISIS AND SURVIVAL IN INFANCY

Summary

The article explores the psychological crises that can occur during infancy and the ways infants develop mechanisms to cope with overwhelming emotional experiences. Joan Cornwell focuses on the importance of the early relationship between the infant and the caregiver, particularly the caregiver’s ability to provide safety, stability, and emotional containment.

The paper also considers how an infant’s capacity to survive emotionally during periods of distress is connected to the development of the self. When the environment fails to provide adequate support, the infant may experience anxiety and fragmentation and may rely on primitive ways of maintaining a sense of security. Overall, the article highlights the importance of early relationships and environmental support in helping infants manage emotional crises and develop psychologically.