Qualities of early caregiving and children's development of self-beyond-self: possibilities at the intersection of developmental and contemplative science

Abstract

The traditions of developmental science and contemplative wisdom offer distinct views of conditions for a healthy self. While the former delineates developmental paths by which caregiving supports the growth of essential self-functions, the latter presents self-transcendent capacities based on development through practice. In this article, we propose a model that integrates these approaches to show how caregiving can promote development of self-beyond-self. We examine qualities of care promoting healthy self-functions through a contemplative lens, review research supporting components of the proposed model, and outline next steps for research. Based on this foundation, we hope to create a developmental contemplative science of families that can explore what is possible in human self-development and inform work to foster such development by training caregivers.