Background and Science
Evolution, Development, Causation, Function, Laughter
Dr. Frans explains the ins- and outs of the science behind The Wonder Weeks.
In the following movie presentation Dr. Frans Plooij shares the research findings from the original Wonder Weeks research projects, which focused on the regression periods observed in chimpanzee babies in Tanzania and also in human babies in The Netherlands.
In the following movie presentation Dr. Frans Plooij explains how a new discipline of science called Psychoneuroimmunology has shown that all of the body systems are interlinked and influence each other. Therefore, if an imbalance occurs in one part of the system because of developmental changes this should be identifiable in multiple systems, not just in behavior changes. When considering The Wonder Weeks in this context, Frans asks: If there are peaks in regression periods can we find peaks in illness?
In the following movie presentation Frans considers the evidence supporting that sudden age-linked brain changes are a direct causation of the fussy behaviors babies present during age-linked regression periods. He also explains how Perceptual Control Theory provides the best fitting model to understand The Wonder Weeks.
In the following movie presentation Dr. Frans Plooij discusses the function of the fussy behaviors babies present during age-linked regression periods and reviews the supporting evidence.
In the following movie presentation Dr. Frans Plooij describes how laughing, in combination with crying, is the basis of all good humor, and how The Wonder Weeks book empowers caregivers to better support their babies during age-linked regression periods.