Professor Colwyn Trevarthen

Background

Colwyn Trevarthen is Emeritus Professor of Child Psychology and Psychobiology at the University of Edinburgh, and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a Vice President of the British Association for Early Childhood Education. He originally trained as a biologist, before going on to study infancy research at Harvard in 1967, and has since published on brain development, infant communication and emotional health.

His current research concerns how rhythm and expressions of musicality in movement help communication with children and may help parents, teachers and therapists give care and companionship to young children.

Examples of publications

• Stephen, C, Dunlop, A-W and Trevarthen, C (2003) ‘Meeting the Needs of Children from Birth to Three: Research Evidence and Implications for Out-of-Home Provision’, Insight 6: Edinburgh, Scottish Executive

• Trevarthen, C (2003) ‘Infant Psychology is an Evolving Culture’, Human Development, vol 46, pp 233-246

• Trevarthen, C et al (2003) ‘Review of Childcare and the Development of Children Aged 0-3: Research Evidence, and Implications for Out-of-Home Provision Supporting a Young Child’s Needs for Care and Affection, Shared Meaning and a Social Place’, Edinburgh, Scottish Executive