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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
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Crying and behavioral characteristics in premature infants.
Ryuichi Kusaka1, Shohei Ohgi2, Kenta Shigemori3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Undergraduate School of Health Sciences, Bukkyo University, Kyoto 603-8301, Japan.
Summary
Premature infants exhibiting poor self-regulation and heightened responsiveness often cry more. These neonatal behavioral characteristics are linked to increased crying in infants at term age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Developmental Psychology
- Infant Behavior
Background:
- Understanding crying in premature infants is crucial for their development.
- The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) assesses infant behavior and neurological status.
Observation:
- This study examined 69 healthy, low birth-weight infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Behavioral performance and crying were assessed at term age using the NBAS.
Findings:
- A negative correlation was found between daily crying and NBAS scores for Habituation, Range of state, Regulation of state, and Autonomic stability.
- Infants with high crying levels showed increased responsivity in Peak of excitement, Rapidity of build-up, Irritability, and General irritability.
Implications:
- Poor ability to inhibit stimuli, hyper-responsivity, and inadequate state regulation are risk factors for excessive crying in premature infants.
- These findings can inform interventions aimed at managing crying and supporting infant development.
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