Neonatal imitation and early social experience predict gaze following abilities in infant monkeys

• DOI: 10.1038/srep20233
• Publication Date: 2016-02-01T09:51:31Z
• Authors: Elizabeth A. Simpson; Grace M. Miller; Pier F. Ferrari; Stephen J. Suomi; Annika Paukner
• Keywords: Socialization; Social Skills

Abstract Individuals vary in their social skills and motivation, the causes of which remain largely unknown. Here we investigated whether an individual’s propensity to interact with others measured within days after birth differences infants’ early environment, may predict a later skill. Specifically, tested neonatal imitation—newborns’ capacity match modelled actions—and experience first months life gaze following (directing attention locations where look), infant macaques ( Macaca mulatta ; n = 119). Facial gesture imitation week predicted at 7 age. Imitators were better than non-imitators, suggesting be marker predicting socio-cognitive functioning. In addition, infants rich environments outperformed less socialization, experiences also support development competence. The present study offers compelling evidence that individual difference from predicts functional cognitive skill infancy. this foundational skill—gaze following—is plastic can improved through interactions, providing strong foundation for interaction learning.