Sense and sensibility in infant observation: a response to Margot Waddell

This response to Margot Waddell's paper welcomes its argument, and draws attention to a number of issues which it raises. One of these is the origin of the theory of container-contained relations, and the possible links between the work of Esther Bick and Wilfred Bion, in its development. A second issue is the relation between infant observation as a form of learning, and a method of research. It argues that infant observation has given rise to significant discoveries, and also that it makes a significant implicit contribution to clinical research in child psychotherapy. Finally the paper notes the distinctive sensibility nurtured by observational experience, and agrees with Waddell that the value of infant observation lies as much in this sphere as in more theoretical and empirical domains.