Kagan hypothesized that infants born with an especially…
““Kagan hypothesized that infants born with an especially excitable amygdala would wiggle and howl when shown unfamiliar objects and grow up to be children who were more likely to feel vigilant whhen meeting new people. The four month olds who trhrashed their arms like punk rockers did so not because they were extroverts in the making, but because their little bodies reacted strongly--they were high-reactive to new sights, sounds and smells. The quiet infants were silent not because they were future introverts, just the opposite, but because they had nervous systems that were unmoved by novelty.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She explains that high reactivity in infants leads to vigilance, not extroversion, and that quiet infants may be highly reactive but unmoved by novelty.
In simple terms: Highly reactive babies become vigilant, not necessarily extroverted.
Key Takeaway
Recognize different nervous system responses.
Themes
development
neuroscience
personality
Mood
analytical
empathetic
Type
psychological
educational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- workplace dynamics
Key Concepts
reactivity
vigilance
introversion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you support children with high reactivity?
- Can quietness be a strength?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on labels can limit understanding.