Regulation of anxiety behind quiet adaptation

Abstract

The paper draws on material from a young child observation undertaken by a Chinese observer in Beijing, China. It focuses on how the observed child adapted rather quietly to his first year in nursery. He never cried, nor did he create a scene or seek special attention. Ironically, the observer was drawn to him exactly because of this lack of drama and his apparent indifference to her. This indifference aroused a strong countertransference in the observer. Closer observation revealed the possibility of equally strong feelings behind the child's various ways of coping and of defending himself against distress, anxiety and other feelings related to the transition from home to nursery. Over time, he showed more and different aspects of himself, signalling development in the relationship with the nursery staff, his peers and the observer in a significant period of transition for any toddler.