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Differential effects of parenting in preterm and full-term children on developmental outcomes
Angela N Maupin1, Jodene Goldenring Fine2
1Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, United States.
Insights
Preterm birth impacts social-emotional outcomes through parenting and cognitive development. Parenting interventions supporting early cognition are crucial for preterm children
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for developmental challenges.
- Parenting behavior and early cognitive development are critical for later social-emotional outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay between these factors is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between preterm birth, parenting, cognitive development, and social-emotional outcomes.
- To determine if parenting influences preterm and full-term children differently.
- To identify pathways through which preterm birth affects development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nationally representative sample of 3600 full-term and 1300 preterm children.
- Collected data on parenting behavior (9 & 24 months), cognitive development (24 months), and social-emotional outcomes (Kindergarten).
- Employed multi-sample Structural Equation Modeling to analyze group differences.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth indirectly influenced social-emotional outcomes via parenting and cognitive development.
- Significant differences were found in how parenting impacts outcomes for preterm versus full-term children.
- Parenting's influence on social-emotional outcomes was mediated by early cognitive functioning in preterm children.
Conclusions:
- Parenting plays an indirect role in social-emotional outcomes for preterm children through cognitive development.
- Early identification and targeted parenting programs are vital for supporting preterm children's cognitive development.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored support systems for preterm infants and their families.
Objective:
To examine the relations between preterm birth, parenting behavior during early childhood, cognitive development, and social-emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry, and to determine whether parenting behavior differentially influences this developing system in children born preterm compared to children born full-term.
Methods:
The nationally representative sample comprised 3600 full-term and 1300 preterm children born in the US in the year 2001. All children who entered Kindergarten and who participated in data collection at 9 months, 24 months, and Kindergarten entry were included in the study. Measures of parenting behavior were collected at 9 and 24 months and cognitive development at 24 months via home visits. Social-emotional outcomes were assessed at Kindergarten entry via parent and teacher report. Multiple-sample Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze group differences in a model whereby early childhood parenting behavior predicted cognitive outcomes, and social-emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry, and indirectly predicted social-emotional outcomes via early cognitive processes.
Results:
The full sample developmental model indicated excellent fit to the data. Preterm birth status indirectly influenced social-emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry via its effect on early childhood parenting behavior and cognitive development. The multi-sample model revealed significant differences in the way in which early parenting behavior exerted its influence on outcomes at Kindergarten entry in preterm children compared to full-term children.
Conclusions:
For preterm children, parenting indirectly influenced social-emotional outcomes via early cognitive functioning. Findings highlight the importance of early identification and targeted parenting programs to support early cognitive development in preterm children.
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