We have read in the press a article signed by the anthropologist Pablo Herrero who talks about Genie, a girl subjected to a cruel mistreatment by your father. For 11 years, from the 50s to 1970, she kept her tied to a chair, deprived of the emotional needs that every person needs from childhood, and isolated from the world.
A day came when everything that was happening in that house could be discovered. After being released, the scientists and doctors who examined her concluded that she suffered from severe mental retardation, learning problems, memory and psychomotor impairments. All of this as consequence of abuse continued that he had suffered.
The importance of affective needs in the case of Genie
While it is true, as the article states, that until a few decades ago many psychiatrists ignored the consequences of rejection brain and development. But at the time little Genie was released, the valuable contributions of René Spitz on this subject were already known.
René Spitz (1887-1974) was a medical psychoanalyst who investigated the effects of emotional neglect on infants and children. As well as its consequences in different periods of development. He focused on early relationships, affective deficiencies and language acquisition. His studies were based on direct observation of babies and children admitted to hospitals and institutions.
Thanks to your research, we know babies and children need a lot of affection. It is not enough just to meet their physical needs, affective and emotional needs are just as important. Because this allows them to develop in a healthy way. An infant or child subjected to emotional deprivation develops a series of serious pathologies and in the most extreme cases, it can even die.
The relationship of babies with their father or father
Spitz demonstrated the importance of the baby's relationship with its mother or primary caregiver. This relationship of mutual interaction is decisive for the development of the baby's identity, which will suffer serious disturbances if it is not harmonious. The quality of care provided by the mother or main caregiver will be reflected in the behavior and health of the baby. If the care is not what the baby needs, eczema, aggressive situations, nodding, fecal play, symptoms of depression and many others may appear.
In the case of the mistreatment of the girl Genie, we could affirm that there was total emotional deprivation. According to Spitz's research, babies deprived of all affective relationships develop hospitalism or marasmus. Babies first show symptoms of depression and after a few months, the rest of the clinical picture appears, which includes a significant delay in general development. But without forgetting psychological dysfunctions or increased susceptibility to infections. As the baby or child fades, she seems to become disconnected from the world around her and eventually dies. Fortunately, Genie was rescued before reaching the last stage. Her recovery was very limited because she was deprived of the necessary care and stimulation in the critical stages of development.
What are the most important needs in children
It is true that speaking of needs, we have the most basic ones, which are to have a safe home as well as clothing or food. But the emotional part is not left aside. Since it is another of the most important to be able to talk about the development of a person and to also be able to forge their qualities or their character. So, among the most important we highlight the following:
- The establish a relationship of affection, protection and security with the closest people. Because as they grow they seem to detach themselves from their parents, we must always be aware of offering them all the possible comfort and love.
- Las social relationships. In this case we are talking about other types of relationships that occur in your environment, with your colleagues or friends. Similarly also the play and establishing new affective relationships will be the most important needs.
- Maintain good communication we can never be forgotten. It is true that they will go through phases in which they do not even want to listen to us, but we must always speak clearly to them, counting on them and them.
- Feeling lovely It is one of the best sensations and since childhood, they claim it. Since it will be necessary to create a good self-esteem that is firm and that also gives rise to a stable personality.
So, we don't need to tell them that we love them every day, but rather to show it. That they feel protected, that they notice that affection and of course that there is not a home full of shouts, reproaches or mistreatment.
How to meet affective needs
Although we think that Genie's case may be isolated, it is not always the case. There are many more cases around the world that are similar to the one mentioned. Something that makes us put our hands to our heads, because in a sane person we don't even miss the power to do something similar to our little ones. At this point, we may be wondering how we can meet affective needs.
- spend more time with our children. It is true that we always have a fairly fast pace during the day. From work to things at home and various problems sometimes make us distant. But we must take those moments to dedicate them with those we love most: our children.
- Yelling is not the solution. It is best to try to speak from another tonality and of course, the most positive disciplines must always be present so that they can learn but not always in such negative ways.
- You must always accept. Sometimes they don't do the things we want, or think like us, but they are still our children. Therefore, support is another of the most basic and necessary steps in its development. That is why it is not good to criticize or judge him at every step.
- try to stay tuned of what happens to them. They are not always going to tell us what is happening to them, especially when they are older. But we must be aware and close to them to be able to talk and help them.
- Listen to them before letting yourself be carried away by anger. Nor is it something we can do literally. Because anger usually comes first, but we need to listen to them and then we will act.
Why are affective needs necessary?
We have already been breaking it down at the same time that we mentioned the tragic story of Genie. But still, nothing like speaking in a clearer way. Something innate that we have is that we need affection and love in our life. It is something main that we must receive and more, when we speak of a father or a mother. Babies have that contact and trust, as well as that instinct to be protected, from the moment they are born. Therefore, if they are deprived of something that is so necessary, we will be preventing their maturation or natural development from being completed. We can say that it is something anti-nature. If we don't have support or security as we grow, it will undermine all of our abilities. Something similar to what happened to Genie, who is now 65 years old. Although the truth is that little else is known about his life.