For example, we
(Jones et al., 1998a) have shown that infant tactile stimulation at 1-month
positively impacts the brain electrical activity patterns implicated in approach
motivation and also promotes more positive infant behaviors. In essence,
developmental experiences may coalesce to influence higher-order regions
of the brain devoted to motivational systems for communication and affect.
These ideas are consistent with Field and her colleagues’ (Field, 1998; Field
et al., 2004c) view that maturation of cortico-limbic and frontal systems are
experience-dependent and highly responsive and malleable during early interactive
experiences. Thus, touch behaviors are expected to stimulate more
optimal patterns of brain organization and biobehavioral regulation. However,
the mechanisms by which touch-quality interacts to alter the developing
cognitive and emotional processes in the brain is still elusive