This essay presents a Wittgensteinian analysis of the rationales, beliefs, and contributing factors that supported the denial of neonatal pain until the late 80's. It provides an historical review of the denial of neonatal pain and describes the main events leading to its recognition. It explores the link between enduring erroneous conceptions and scientific assumptions about the nature of pain, and the denial of neonatal pain. Wittgenstein's work on the origin of pain-language in the natural tendency of human beings to exhibit pain-behaviour and to react to the pain manifestation of others by engaging in meaningful activities provides the background for this investigation of neonatal pain. The lack of training in pain assessment techniques and the unique pain manifestation of sick and premature infants is considered. The impact of Neonatology's driving concepts and the overreaching scientifical approach of medicine is also discussed. Finally, it is recognized that individual, scientific, and sociopolitical forces have influenced neonatal pain research and clinical practice. The essay concludes with a reflection on the consequence of privileging the biological function over the experiential dimension of life for sick infants presently in the N.I.C.U but also for the quality of their long-lasting memories.

The current study examined whether female and male newborns could be differentiated using physical and behavioural characteristics. Sixteen female and fifteen male newborns were videotaped interacting briefly with a female and male experimenter. Raters coded neonatal physical characteristics, and both neonatal and adult behaviours. Results showed that raters could discriminate the sex of the newborns based upon the degree of cuddliness and activity level. It was also found that adults responded differently with female and male newborns. Finally, the male and female experimenter were found to differ in their behaviours with the newborns. Discussion focuses on the importance of methodological considerations in assessing sex differences in neonatal behaviours, and on the implications of neonatal behavioural sex differences on subsequent parent-child interaction.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 454-469. / Microfilm. / xxxi, 469 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Thesis (B. Med. Sc.)--University of Melbourne. Menzies School of Health Research, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2003. / Includes tables and questionnaires. Title from title screen (viewed Apr. 28, 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Centre for Perinatal Health Services Research, School of Public Health. Includes bibliography. Also available in print form.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Notre Dame, 2009. / Thesis directed by Maura A. Ryan for the Department of Theology. "April 2009." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 250-259).

Thesis (M.A. (Health Social Science))--Mahidol University, 2008. / LICL has E-Thesis 0039 ; please contact computer services.

Honors Project--Smith College, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-64).

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1941.

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1939.