Motor Milestones & Goal-Directedness during Infancy

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentationpeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between gross motor milestones and various developmental influences during infancy. A survey of 228 parents revealed a single underlying factor accounting for over two-thirds of variance in the onset of five motor milestones (sitting, standing, crawling, cruising, walking), suggesting consistent early-, typical-, or late-bloomer patterns. Infants demonstrating early motor milestone achievement showed increased goal-directedness across multiple domains and ages. Specifically, 9- to 16-month-old infants with earlier milestone achievement showed enhanced problem-solving abilities, while 3- to 5-month-olds with sharper visual acuity and temperamental distress to limitation, but not necessarily high non-goal-directed activity levels, displayed quicker milestone progression. Results support a theoretical link between physical motor abilities and broader cognitive development. Future research can explore specific questions arising from the identification of a single underlying factor.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 2004
EventBiennial Meeting of the International Society on Infant Studies - Chicago, United States
Duration: May 5 2004 → …

Conference

ConferenceBiennial Meeting of the International Society on Infant Studies
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period5/5/04 → …

Keywords

  • motor development
  • first step
  • infancy
  • visual acuity
  • temperament

Disciplines

  • Biological Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

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