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The effect of birth weight on behavioral problems in early adolescence: New evidence from monozygotic twins

Stine Møllegaard1

  • 1Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Economics and Human Biology
|December 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Higher birth weight is linked to fewer behavioral problems in 12-year-olds. This effect differs by sex, with birth weight impacting girls' emotional issues and boys' hyperactivity.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Prenatal Health

Background:

  • The prenatal period is critical for development, influencing long-term outcomes.
  • The impact of prenatal factors like birth weight on intermediate outcomes, such as behavior, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of birth weight on behavioral problems at age 12.
  • To control for genetic and family background confounders using a twin study design.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a research design exploiting differences among Danish monozygotic twins.
  • Controlled for family background and genetic factors.
  • Measured behavioral problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Birth weight has a statistically significant negative effect on behavioral problems.
  • Birth weight's impact on behavior differs between sexes.
  • Lower birth weight is associated with increased emotional problems in girls and hyperactivity in boys.

Conclusions:

  • Birth weight is an important prenatal factor influencing childhood behavioral problems.
  • Sex-specific effects of birth weight on behavior highlight the need for tailored interventions.
  • Further research into prenatal influences on noncognitive development is warranted.

Keywords:
Behavioral problemsBirth weightIntermediate effectsTwins

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