Article
Dynamical systems approaches to emotional development
Developmental Review
(2005)
Abstract
Within the last 20 years, transitions in the conceptualization of emotion and its development have
given rise to calls for an explanatory framework that captures emotional development in all its
organizational complexity and variability. Recent attempts have been made to couch emotional
development in terms of a dynamical systems approach through utilization of principles like selforganization
and emergence. In this article, we review and evaluate these attempts, both at the level
of theoretical framework and empirical instantiation. We trace the dynamic systems approach to
emotional development from theoretical origins in the work of Fogel and WolV to the more recent
framework of Lewis. We also chart its empirical applications from the standpoint of research strategy
speciWc to the approach. We also explore the challenges this approach faces in promoting its
framework as both unique and benefcial to the study of stability and change in emotion.
Keywords
- Emotion,
- Dynamic system,
- Development,
- Children,
- Infants
Disciplines
Publication Date
November 23, 2005
DOI
10.1016/j.dr.2005.10.002
Citation Information
Linda A. Camras and David C. Witherington. "Dynamical systems approaches to emotional development" Developmental Review Vol. 25 (2005) p. 328 - 350 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/linda_camras/37/