head rolling

repeated movements of the head from side to side as manifested by some children before going to sleep. The condition has been attributed to inhibition of movement in the crib, lack of stimulating play, and possibly fetal passivity during intrauterine life. Also called jactatio capitis nocturnis.

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Psychology term of the day

October 18th 2024

sensory interaction

the integration of sensory processes when performing a task, as in maintaining balance using sensory input from both vision and proprioception. See also cross-modal association; intersensory perception; perceptual synthesis.