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A prospective study on the persistence of infant crying, sleeping and feeding problems and preschool behaviour
G Schmid1, A Schreier, R Meyer
1Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Insights
Regulatory problems (RP) like excessive crying, feeding, and sleeping issues often persist from infancy to preschool. Persistent RP predict poorer preschool adaptive behavior and social skills, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Regulatory problems (RP) such as excessive crying, feeding, and sleeping difficulties are common in infancy.
- The long-term persistence and predictive value of these early regulatory problems are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the persistence of regulatory problems from infancy to preschool age.
- To evaluate if early regulatory problems at 5 months predict preschool adaptive behavior and social skills.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population study of newborns.
- Parent interviews and neurological examinations assessed RP at 5, 20, and 56 months.
- Preschool adaptive behavior and social skills were assessed via parent ratings; logistic and linear regression analyses were used.
Main Results:
- Over half of infants experienced RP at some point; 8% had persistent RP into preschool years.
- Multiple RP and feeding problems predicted later eating issues.
- Persistent RP and feeding problems were significant predictors of deficits in preschool adaptive behavior and social skills.
Conclusions:
- Multiple regulatory problems and feeding issues exhibit high stability.
- Persistent regulatory problems are linked to adverse social and adaptive outcomes in preschool.
- Understanding the causes of persistent RP is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
Aim:
To determine the persistence of regulatory problems (RP), i.e. excessive crying (>3 months of age), feeding and sleeping difficulties from infancy to preschool age, and to evaluate whether RP at 5 months are predictive of preschool adaptive behaviour and social skills.
Method:
A prospective population study of newborns admitted to neonatal care. RP at 5, 20 and 56 months of age were obtained via parent interviews and neurological examination and preschool adaptive behaviour and social skills by parent ratings. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted and controlled for psychosocial and neurological factors.
Results:
More than half of the sample had RP at least at one measurement point. In about 8% of infants, RP persisted across the preschool years. Multiple RP and feeding problems increased the odds of eating problems at 20 and 56 months. Persistent RP and feeding problems were predictive of deficits in preschool adaptive behaviour and social skills. In addition, sex differences were found.
Conclusions:
Multiple RP and feeding problems had the highest stability. Persistent RP were predictive of adverse social and adaptive behaviour. Understanding of the aetiology may help to prevent persistent RP.
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