Intersubjectivity in the nursery: A case-study from Denmark

Abstract

This paper reports from a study of intersubjectivity in a Danish nursery (“vuggestue”) for the 0-3 year olds. The study uses psychoanalytic infant observation. The concept of intersubjectivity is introduced from developmental psychology. Intersubjective moments depend on the adults’ mental participation in children’s interests and reactions. We know from developmental psychology that for children intersubjectivity is developmentally important and often joyful. The study shows how moments of play, sharing new experiences, participation in creative work, as well as mundane situations are potentially rich intersubjective moments. The study also shows how competence in verbal language expands the possibilities of intersubjective sharing.