LEARNING AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSIVITY IN COCAINE-EXPOSED INFANTS

This study examined both instrumental responses and facial expressions during learning and extinction in a group of cocaine-exposed infants ages 4 to 8 months. Of the 72 infants studied, half were exposed to co caine in utero and half served as matched controls. The groups were ma tched on maternal demographic characteristics and maternal use of othe r substances. Findings indicated that (a) infants exposed to cocaine h ad a significant decrease in mean birth weight and birth length; (b) c ocaine-exposed infants showed less overall arousal throughout the proc edure; (c) cocaine-exposed infants expressed less interest and joy dur ing learning and less anger and sadness during extinction; and (d) whe n control over the learning contingency was reinstated, cocaine-expose d infants did not show the expected increase in instrumental respondin g.