Biomental Child Development: Perspectives on Psychology and Parenting

By Frank John Ninivaggi, MD; Rowman & Littlefield, 2013, 512 pgs.

Review by K. David Schultz, PhD, ABPP, FAACP

Dr. Frank J. Ninivaggi, assistant clinical professor of child psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine Child Study Center and medical director of the Devereaux Glenholme School in Washington, CT, provides a thorough review of human physical and psychological development from infancy through childhood and adolescence to adulthood, which he refers to as “biomental child development.” His approach is consistent with the perspective evident in von Bertalanffy, Schaefer, and Buber.

Utilizing an anthroposopher’s way of thinking without employing traditional anthroposophical language, Dr. Ninivaggi has crafted a comprehensive, professional survey of contemporary scientific developmental research expressed in modern, human-centered concepts. Reminiscent of Martin Buber, his writing brings into experience the centrality of relationship in all living systems. The author mentions systems thinking in general, but makes no specific reference to Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Karl Ernst Schaefer, general systems theory, or complexity theory, which might provide some anthroposophers with a meaningful context for making a connection with the depth and breadth of his work.

Anthroposophers who are either acquainted with contemporary medical concepts or are open to learning new terminology will find here a wealth of information that is likely to enrich their understanding of child and adolescent development. The author’s philosophy of parenting and his conversational tone lend insight and hope to a number of challenging issues confronting many parents, including the pervasive exposure to screen media. The contemporary scientific understanding that characterizes Biomental Child Development can then be integrated into the general anthroposophical worldview, particularly the biography of the threefold human being. Comprehensive and highly detailed, this book may be challenging at times for some readers. Even professionals, who may be more conversant with only one or two theoretical frames of reference, may find some sections of this work less familiar, but extraordinarily rewarding.

As a psychologist and anthroposopher with over 40 years of experience, I have found no better way of thinking about organizing human experience than Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s 'General Systems Theory' (11) integrated with Steiner’s anthroposophy as outlined in Karl Ernst Schaefer’s 'Toward a Man-Centered Medical Science' (12) and Martin Buber’s I and Thou;' (13) relationship. These perspectives offer a worthwhile foundation for appreciating Dr. Ninivaggi’s truly integrative approach, and for maintaining a commitment to delving into specific details that may later be organized into a meaningful sense of the whole person.

Chapters include, among others, “A Philosophy of Parenting,” “The Psychology of the Child,” “Infant and Child Development,” “The Psychology of Parents as Adults,” “Parenting Styles,” and “More Worth Noting on Parenting,” and there is a separate list of references in each.

Everyone with an open heart and inquiring mind, whether student, scholar, practitioner, or layperson, will find Biomental Child Development well worth their time and effort. It will reward readers with better understanding of our human experience, helping to foster better human relationships and to develop more cooperative social organizations, neighborhoods, and communities.

11 Braziller, New York, 1968.

12 Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1970.

13 Futura, Mount Kisko, NY, 1977.