Developmental Interpersonal Neurobiology, Attachment Style and Mindsight

Abstract

The importance of interrelationships cannot be overemphasized. “Human connections create the neural connections from which the mind emerges”.1( p.72) Dan Siegel described the two basic processes that shape the developing mind, some of which are experience-expectant and others that are experience-dependent. In the former, development depends on minimal stimulation of the circuits to maintain the neurons and their connections. In the experiencedependent conditions, the laying down of new neural circuits is dependent upon experience. This leads to the understanding that our brain structure is altered through both the maintenance and strengthening of existing synapses, or by the experience-driven creation of new synaptic connections.