Malnutrition,learning, and behavior

This paper critically reviews the reported relationships between malnutrition and learning. Since malnutrition is not randomly distributed in the social system, the relationships between malnutrition and intellectual development are often confounded by the relationship between social class and malnutrition. The psychological consequences of malnutrition which have been reported are similar to those for social isolation among infants, and isolation may be a confounding factor in the development of infants hospitalized for malnutrition. The older malnourished child may be cut off from important learning opportunities, both by lack of energy to pay attention to these opportunities and by living in settings in which the opportunities do not exist. He may acquire a self concept and be responded to by others in ways which further inhibit his development. While few data exist on the effects of hunger, they may be similar to those of malnutrition. In addition, because those who are hungry are stigmatized, others may treat the child labeled “hungry” in ways which prevent his adequate social and psychological development.