According to my Mom, I never did, but I loved the pacifier. My son (4 months) just started sucking his thumb (he doesn't like pacifiers at all). Is thumb sucking connected to any kind of emotional expression? Will he stop on his own in time? Just wondering...
2007-03-21 13:23:06 · 4 answers · asked by Lexi 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I think it was Freud that said we derive sexual (meaning organ) pleasure from sucking when we're babies. In intro psychology it's called the oral stage. For sucking on something to be soothing is an adaptive trait because it ensures that we'll get food if a nipple is stuck in our mouths. That instinct not being there, how would we get a baby to eat? It's comforting to have something in our mouths when we're young because it gives us a sense that we're safe and provided for... even if it's just our own thumb. Why don't others? Good question. Babies do have varying levels of need. Some cry more than others if they don't receive LOTS of attention. Individual differences are still quite a mystery.
Ever seen an adult who couldn't stop thumb-sucking? I think it's a safe bet it'll stop in due time.
2007-03-21 13:30:05 · answer #1 · answered by Buying is Voting 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont think it has to do anything with emotional depression.
i think your son only wants to suck his thumb instead of the pacifier because he can actually feel what hes sucking on.
my cousin sucked his thumb till he was 10 and his dad gave him 5 dollars for him to stop and he did. pretty funny
i doubt this is gonna happen to your son, but even if he does keep sucking his thumb, nothing bad would happen
2007-03-21 20:59:16 · answer #2 · answered by lil Konvict 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some babies like to find comfort in certain things. when i was little i sucked my pacifier and then i swicthed to my thumb. thumb sucking doesnt mean anything except you suck your thumb. and your son should stop on his own. but some people like to stop the habbit after the toddler gets teeth.
2007-03-21 20:33:21 · answer #3 · answered by Chantel J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
babies start sucking their thumb in the womb. it's just a natural reaction.
2007-03-21 20:31:45 · answer #4 · answered by Samantha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋