An Integrative Framework for Understanding the Mechanisms and Multigenerational Consequences of Transgenerational Plasticity

Transgenerational plasticity (TGP) occurs when the environment experienced by a parent influences the development of their offspring. In this article, we develop a framework for understanding the mechanisms and multigenerational consequences of TGP. First, we conceptualize the mechanisms of TGP in the context of communication between parents (senders) and offspring (receivers) by dissecting the steps between an environmental cue received by a parent and its resulting effects on the phenotype of one or more future generations. Breaking down the problem in this way highlights the diversity of mechanisms likely to be involved in the process. Second, we review the literature on multigenerational effects and find that the documented patterns across generations are diverse. We categorize different multigenerational patterns and explore the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that can generate them. Throughout, we highlight opportunities for future work in this dynamic and integrative area of study.

Attachment Play Related to Piaget's Conservation Task with Parent

Piaget's conservation concept still influences many disciplines such as pedagogy and psychology. It is said that this idea is difficult for children to acquire before they are 6 years old if Piaget’s task methods are adhered to. This study aims to verify whether the acquisition of the conservation concept (substance, weight, and volume) can be accelerated through an intentional environmental change (the setting of play related to conservation accompanied by the development of affection with parent). To this end, a single case study was conducted on a 3-year-old child. Specifically, monthly retention tasks (and related content) were executed in the form of a quiz game. The results of the experiment suggested that the conservation concept may be obtained by 3-year-old children. Hence, it may be asserted that play related to conservation accompanied by the formation of attachment with a parent influences the early acquisition of the conservation concepts of substance, weight, and volume.

The Path of a Relationship

From the cradle to the grave, life experiences lead to one making important decisions regarding relationships that may take a person by surprise! The purpose of this chapter is to examine how each decision made throughout the course of a lifetime can bring about a lifetime of happiness due to a fulfilling relationship rather than forever chasing rainbows waiting for “Mr. Right.” The theories providing the basis for this chapter are Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Eric Erickson's study of human development. A closer look at parent influences shaping decisions regarding relationships will be discussed from a psychological point of view. Attributes of family therapy will relate to the influence parents have on the decisions made which are connected to a fulfilling, “or not,” relationship. Generational components affect relationships and the characteristics of how partnerships are formed due to those characteristics will be relayed. Finally, what constitutes a fulfilling partnership as opposed to one that disintegrates with each passing day has an important piece to this chapter.

General practitioner referrals to paediatric specialist outpatient clinics: referral goals and parental influence

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Previous research on general practitioner (GP) referrals in adult populations demonstrated that patient pressure influenced referral practice. No research has been conducted to investigate how involvement of a parent influences paediatric referrals. AIM To investigate whether GPs who report parental influence on their decision to refer paediatric patients differ in their referral patterns from GPs who do not report parental influence. METHOD A mail survey of 400 GPs who had referred at least two children to paediatric specialist outpatient clinics during 2014 was distributed. RESULTS The response rate was 67% (n = 254). For initial referrals, 27% of GPs stated that parental request frequently or almost always influenced their referral decision. For returning referrals, 63% of GPs experienced parental influence to renew a referral because a paediatrician wanted a child to return; 49% of GPs experienced influence to renew a referral because a parent wanted to continue care with a paediatrician. Experiencing parental influence was associated with increased likelihood for frequent referrals in order for a paediatrician to take over management of a child’s condition. DISCUSSION GPs who frequently refer with a goal for a paediatrician to take over management of a child’s condition also report that parental request almost always influences their decision to refer.