Cognitive outcomes in school-age children born prematurely

Deborah Winders Davis1

  • 1Neonatal Follow-up Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202, USA. dwdavis@louisville.edu

Neonatal Network : NN
|June 11, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This review examines long-term developmental outcomes for premature infants, focusing on cognitive development and academic performance. It explores factors influencing individual differences and suggests future research directions for at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Premature birth and low birth weight are associated with potential long-term developmental challenges.
  • Understanding individual differences in outcomes is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Existing literature highlights the need for further research into influencing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature on long-term developmental outcomes of premature infants.
  • To investigate causes of variability in developmental trajectories.
  • To identify future research priorities in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive literature review of international studies (1996-2002).
  • Focus on studies concerning school-age children and older with low birth weight.
  • Analysis of cognitive development and academic performance data.

Main Results:

  • Children born prematurely with low birth weight show varied long-term developmental outcomes.
  • Cognitive development and academic performance are key areas of concern.
  • Interactions between child characteristics and environmental factors influence outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Individual differences in outcomes are influenced by complex interactions.
  • Attention regulation within the psychosocial environment warrants further investigation.
  • Holistic consideration of influencing factors is essential for effective interventions.

Related Concept Videos

Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
The Nativist Approach01:21

The Nativist Approach

The nativist approach to infant cognitive development proposes that infants are born with inherent knowledge structures that allow them to interpret the world almost immediately. This perspective contrasts with earlier developmental theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, which emphasized a more gradual acquisition of cognitive abilities through interaction with the environment. One key concept in this approach is object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition01:24

Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition

A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are themselves.