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Temperament, behavior problems, and learning skills in very low birth weight preschoolers
B D Schraeder1, M A Heverly, J Rappaport
1College of Nursing, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark 07102.
Insights
Temperament traits like rhythmicity and persistence impact behavior and learning in very low birth weight (VLBW) preschoolers. VLBW children with more behavior problems showed lower skill achievement.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) can impact neurodevelopment.
- Preschool-aged children's temperament and behavior are crucial for learning.
- Understanding VLBW children's developmental trajectories is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between temperament, behavior problems, and learning skill abilities in VLBW preschoolers.
- To identify specific temperament characteristics related to behavioral and learning outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Study included 37 four-year-old children born with VLBW (<1500g).
- Data collected at 48 months chronological age.
- Statistical analyses included correlation (point biserial, Pearson product moment), chi square, and MANOVA.
Main Results:
- Temperament characteristics (rhythmicity, intensity, persistence) were significantly related to behavior problems and learning skills.
- Mothers reported a higher incidence of behavior problems in VLBW children compared to general population norms.
- Children exhibiting four or more behavior problems demonstrated significantly lower learning skill achievement scores.
Conclusions:
- Specific temperament traits are linked to behavioral and learning outcomes in VLBW children.
- Behavioral challenges in VLBW preschoolers are more prevalent and associated with poorer academic skills.
- Early identification and intervention for behavior problems may support better learning outcomes in VLBW children.
Abstract:
The relationship between temperament, behavior problems, and learning skill abilities in preschool children who were born with very low birth weight (VLBW) is described. Subjects were 37 4-year-olds who weighed less than 1,500 grams at birth, were appropriate for gestational age, and free from congenital anomalies (M birth weight = 1,201 grams). Data were gathered when the children were 48 months chronological age and analyzed using point biserial and Pearson product moment correlation, chi square, and MANOVA. Temperament characteristics of rhythmicity, intensity, and persistence were related to behavior problems and learning skill abilities. Mothers reported more children with behavior problems than expected in the general population. Children with four or more behavior problems had significantly lower skill achievement scores than children with fewer behavior problems.