Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby's brain

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Why Love Matters explains why loving relationships are essential to brain development in the early years, and how these early interactions can have lasting consequences for future emotional and physical health. This second edition follows on from the success of the first, updating the scientific research, covering recent findings in genetics and the mind/body connection, and including a new chapter highlighting our growing understanding of the part also played by pregnancy in shaping a baby’s future emotional and physical well-being.

The author focuses in particular on the wide-ranging effects of early stress on a baby or toddler’s developing nervous system. When things go wrong with relationships in early life, the dependent child has to adapt; what we now know is that his or her brain adapts too. The brain’s emotion and immune systems are particularly affected by early stress and can become less effective. This makes the child more vulnerable to a range of later difficulties such as depression, anti-social behaviour, addictions or anorexia, as well as physical illness.

Review

"This book provides an interesting and eminently readable account, compressively set out, with a clear description, assisted by case studies, as to how the interaction between automatic physiological responses and biochemical reactions function to help maintain a good state." – Nicola Miller, in Seen and Heard

"For a reader acquainted with psychology, this truly is an all-encompassing book on early human development and presents fascinating links between genetic expression and socio-cultural and environmental influence. " – Michael Fiorini, International Journal of Psychotherapy

"This book is a rare achievement. It succeeds in combining the most accessible and readable account of the neurobiology of early development I have come across with an impressive level of scholarship. Though written with a light touch this fascinating updated volume eloquently describes how very recent advances in neuroscience are being used to re-define and deepen our understanding of the relational origins of human nature, and how this knowledge can be used to address the early roots of many of the common problems that all societies are now facing. A best seller in the UK, Sue Gerhardt's book deserves to be more widely read in the USA." – Allan N. Schore, Ph.D., UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

"A sensational read. Combining cutting edge research on the brain, parenting and emotional development with wonderful writing, this is popular science at its best. A page-turner of a book which packs a powerful and life-changing message and is a must-read for parents, policy-makers, childcare professionals, students and indeed anyone interested in a healthier and happier future." – Dr. Graham Music, consultant psychotherapist, Tavistock Clinic, London, and author of Nurturing Natures

"With the knowledge summed up in this superb book, we can ensure that our child and every child gets close to the very limits of human potential." – Steve Biddulph, from the foreword

Praise for the first edition: "Why Love Matters is hugely important. It should be mandatory reading for all parents, teachers and politicians." – Rebecca Abrams, in The Guardian

"Sue Gerhardt writes in an easy-to-read, page-turning way and makes complex science tangible, relevant, popular and accessible." – Martine Horvath, Eye on Education

"The book is successful in conveying the important message about the role which early relationships play in the formation of the brain and is a useful tool for parents, professionals and students… An informative, enjoyable and motivating read." – Gemma Roxanne West, Student Play Therapist for BAPT Magazine

"Bolstering the work of the best-selling 2004 edition is this trade-meets-specialist publication that itnersects neuropsychology with attachment theory to emphasise the foundational importance of scure attachement through one-on-one primary care. The book is the product of impressive literature review and synthesis to further Gerhardt's argument... What is striking about Gerhardt's contribution is the volume of evidence she amasses and the wholistic, arguably 'whole-brained' approach she adopts. Perhaps most compelling, however, is the reported extent of the attachment disturbances... [A] courageous and mmeticulously argued, highly elucidating call to take the care of our most vulnerable dependents more seriously, and install good, present, securely attached love at the centre of our plan to help children live well." - Susie Elliot, researcher, Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia

"This book is a rare achievement. It succeeds in combining the most accessible and readable account of the neurobiology of early development I have come across with an impressive level of scholarship. Though written with a light touch this fascinating updated volume eloquently describes how very recent advances in neuroscience are being used to re-define and deepen our understanding of the relational origins of human nature, and how this knowledge can be used to address the early roots of many of the common problems that all societies are now facing. A best seller in the UK, Sue Gerhardt's book deserves to be more widely read in the USA." - Allan N. Schore, Ph.D., UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

"A sensational read. Combining cutting edge research on the brain, parenting and emotional development with wonderful writing, this is popular science at its best. A page-turner of a book which packs a powerful and life-changing message and is a must-read for parents, policy-makers, childcare professionals, students and indeed anyone interested in a healthier and happier future." - Dr. Graham Music, consultant psychotherapist, Tavistock Clinic, London, and author of Nurturing Natures

"With the knowledge summed up in this superb book, we can ensure that our child and every child gets close to the very limits of human potential." – Steve Biddulph, from the foreword

Praise for the first edition: "Why Love Matters is hugely important. It should be mandatory reading for all parents, teachers and politicians." - Rebecca Abrams, in The Guardian

About the Author

Dr Sue Gerhardt has been a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in private practice since 1997. She co-founded the Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP), a pioneering charity that today provides psychotherapeutic help to hundreds of parents and babies in Oxfordshire and is now the prototype of many new ‘PIPs’ around the country. She is also the author of The Selfish Society (2012).

Review:

4.9 out of 5

98.18% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars The Key to a better society and a better world

D.R.S. · 13 February 2006

Before examining the book's content I believe it is important to state that in my opinion this book would be a far easier read for those with some background knowledge of John Bowlby's attachment theory or at least prior reading on the subject of parent-child relationships.Obviously I am speaking from my own level of intelligence, (not too intelligent but an avid reader) I should imagine that there are many parents and lay people who would enjoy reading this book without the above prerequisites.For maybe the first third of the book I found it quite heavy going because the focus is upon the development of the child's brain in relation to certain types of parenting.Therefore, there is a lot of exploration into the structure of the brain and how certain parts such as the Hypocampus and Hypothalamus work in conjunction with other parts such as neurotransmitters like serotonin and cortisol. Initially the book seemed quite cold and technical.Moving on, the book goes on to provide strong evidence for the work of John Bowlby and Attachment theory, illustrating how neglectful, emotionally ambivalent and emotionally distant parenting styles create brain structures and chemical imbalances that leave children prone to rage, aggression, hyper tension, violence, depression and addiction in adulthood.At times I found the book disturbing when considering how many children are disadvantaged in this way, especially considering the problems they face in later life.On the other hand this book is of huge importance to the lay person, professionals, policy makers and most particularly anyone who has or plans to have children.The prominent message here is that a great many if not all of our social ills, war, violence, addiction, crime and murder (to mention but a few) are the consequences of unresponsive and abusive parenting.Undoubtedly many parents may feel defensive reading this book, but I would defy anyone to offer a scientifically sound counter argument to the evidence presented within it. Also it is worth noting that the main thrust of the book is not to establish blame, but to throw light on what was previously unknown so that we may eradicate these needlessly destructive patterns.The bottom line is that this book has huge potential to effect massive social change. In seeing how these maladaptive attachment and parenting styles lead to first personal problems and then serious social ones, we have the solution to making changes for the future of our children and theirs in turn.Overall this book is a humanistic subject approached from a scientific perspective. Make no mistake this book is one of the most important I have and ever will read. Without a doubt it will also be the same for anyone reading the book.Finally, in addition to being highly informative, it is also optimistic in pointing out that change is not impossible, but prevention is the key to a better society and a better world.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, well researched and referenced!

P. · 11 September 2016

A fantastic read and confirms many things I already thought. I had a loving childhood and I definitely feel like it has made me an emotionally stable adult and I will provide the same loving environment for my baby.It was so interesting reading about the way babies can be affected in utero and has made me think about staying stress free and happy while pregnant. I have a degree in psychology and found this straightforward to read but it did require concentration so may be a little hard to read if you have no psychological knowledge.The book is very well referenced and puts forward a persuasive argument for the importance of mothers (or caregivers) love and attention in a babies early years.I can imagine this book may be a very difficult read for some as society actively promotes returning to work after giving birth ASAP and I think people believe no harm is caused by putting their children in day care everyday, but unfortunately it would seem that is not true. The sad thing is in reality not many people are lucky enough to be able to spend the time with their children that they would like to because it is very difficult to live off a single income. Hopefully, this book will encourage more research in this area and eventually lead to changes in society to allow mothers to afford to spend more time with their babies.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book

E.f.O.E. · 17 December 2023

Not finished yet but so far really insightful so far

5.0 out of 5 stars Explains Everything

A.C. · 16 May 2017

It would be no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most important books ever written. Sue Gerhart, in very easy to understand and readable language, explains how our brains and our bodies are formed by the love we receive as infants, and how the presence or absence of shown love affects the whole of our life, and the whole of life. The fact that love is the most important constituent in life has been recognised by writers for centuries, but what Sue Gerhart does is give the scientific information, the evidence and proof that this is so. She explains very clearly how the way we are treated as babies affects our genes (switching them on of off), our brain, our nervous and immune systems, and the whole biochemistry of our bodies, therefore dictating all our later relationships, physical and mental health, behaviour, and our whole view of the world.This book - or the findings presented in here - should be taught to all sixteen year olds in schools, to all prospective and actual parents; it should be read by all educators, members of the judicial system, politicians, and all people who are suffering psychological distress, for it explains why people are as they are and shows how we can create happier, saner, more law abiding people from the way we treat them as babies. This book will explain your life to you, and the lives of others who share your world.

4.0 out of 5 stars Missing page 80

j. · 24 June 2024

Fascinating book but page 80 is missing

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading

C.D. · 30 January 2024

I found the book started slow but improved as it went on - with good explanations of the issues for babies and children and how to mitigate them. In short, dysregulated parents are more likely to raise dysregulated children - and yet whilst we often complain about the social and economic costs we do little in UK to support/ fix. According to one Nobel prize winner to do so would have a 5 fold payback.

why Love Matters

P.M. · 15 October 2020

Excellent book that was recommended to me. Was very expensive to purchase new so I was happy to find this used copy in great condition.

Illuminating

M.S.v.d.P. · 26 March 2020

This book offers a very convincing, and novel, theory on how we are imprinted in our youth. Although we are generally aware of the long-lasting effects of trauma in youth and how it can affect us well into old age (even my rescue dog continued to distrust people despite 12 years of a loving home), what is unique in Sue Gerhardt’s book is that she explains WHY we imprint: what happens to our brains and bodies as we start to grow. And she explains that feelings are not to be brushed aside as irrelevant but are physiological activities of chemicals and hormones that effect the body. Although this book describes identifiable situations, it offers few solutions on how to correct hardwired aberrations. It does, however, open up the discussion for further research. Note: Despite the somewhat misleading cover picture, this book is more about how we are formed as babies, than about babies per se. Can highly recommend.

meraviglioso

c. · 11 September 2019

libro stupendo anche per i non addetti ai lavori. dovrebbe essere letto dalle coppie prima di avere un bambino. interessantissimo

A faire lire à toutes les futures et jeunes Maman

V.C. · 7 September 2018

Un livre incroyable qui vous fait réaliser à quel point il est important d'être bien dans sa tête pour avoir un bébé en bonne santé et heureux.C'est une réelle prise de conscience : si on sensibilise très tôt les parents et surtout la Maman et qu'on vient en aide à celles qui en ont besoin nous pourrions développer des adultes bien dans leur tête.Je recommande !PS : ce serait bien de l'avoir en français pour le rendre accessible en France au plus grand nombre :)Seul hic : le livre est donc en anglais et certain passages sont légèrement technique pour un non initié

Todos deberiamos saberlo y leerlo para poder dar mas de nosotros

k. · 26 November 2017

un descubriemiento saber que lo mas basico es lo mas importante, lo mas barato lo mas efectivo y lo mejor para un futuro feliz

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Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby's brain

Name: Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby's brain
Brand: Routledge
SKU: K0415870534
Price: 14.55 BHD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (11 reviews)

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