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Temperament moderated by neonatal factors predicted behavioral problems in childhood: A prospective longitudinal

Rafaela G M Cassiano1, Claudia M Gaspardo1, Maria Beatriz Martins Linhares1

  • 1Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Tenente Catão Roxo, 2260, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14051-140, Brazil.

Early Human Development
|June 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with more negative affectivity and less effortful control face higher risks for behavioral problems. Neonatal immaturity and specific temperament traits predict these issues in early childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Preterm birth is associated with increased risks for developmental challenges.
  • Understanding predictors of behavioral problems in preterm children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how neonatal factors, sociodemographics, and temperament predict behavioral problems in preterm children aged 4-5 years.
  • To identify specific temperament traits and neonatal characteristics influencing behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 70 preterm infants.
  • Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale assessed NICU stress.
  • Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist assessed temperament and behavioral problems.
  • Multiple linear regression analysis was employed.

Main Results:

  • Negative affectivity and low effortful control predicted total behavioral problems, moderated by gestational age.
  • Internalizing behaviors were linked to negative affectivity, low effortful control, male sex, and lower gestational age.
  • Externalizing behaviors were predicted by less effortful control.

Conclusions:

  • High neonatal immaturity combined with negative affectivity and low effortful control increases the risk of future behavioral problems in preterm infants.
  • Temperament plays a significant role in the development of behavioral issues in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Behavioral problemsPrematurityTemperament

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