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Rhythm and melody as social signals for infants
Author(s) -
Cirelli Laura K.,
Trehub Sandra E.,
Trainor Laurel J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.13580
Subject(s) - melody , prosocial behavior , psychology , rhythm , singing , interpersonal communication , perception , cognition , social cognition , cognitive psychology , social relation , developmental psychology , social psychology , musical , neuroscience , art , philosophy , management , economics , visual arts , aesthetics
Infants typically experience music through social interactions with others. One such experience involves caregivers singing to infants while holding and bouncing them rhythmically. These highly social interactions shape infant music perception and may also influence social cognition and behavior. Moving in time with others—interpersonal synchrony—can direct infants’ social preferences and prosocial behavior. Infants also show social preferences and selective prosociality toward singers of familiar, socially learned melodies. Here, we discuss recent studies of the influence of musical engagement on infant social cognition and behavior, highlighting the importance of rhythmic movement and socially relevant melodies.