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Does preterm birth affect child temperament? A meta-analytic study
Rafaela G M Cassiano1, Livio Provenzi2, 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.
Infant Behavior & Development
|January 14, 2020
Summary
Preterm children exhibit a less regulated temperament, showing higher activity and lower attention spans than full-term peers. This difference is more pronounced in extremely preterm infants, impacting behavioral style.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Temperament differences between preterm and full-term children are not fully understood.
- Behavioral style and psychobiological factors may influence these differences.
- Understanding moderators is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analytically examine temperament variations between preterm and full-term children.
- To explore behavioral and psychobiological moderators of prematurity's effect on temperament.
- To synthesize existing evidence on preterm infant temperament.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL).
- Meta-analysis of data from 22 selected studies.
- Comparative analysis of temperament traits, including activity level and attention.
Main Results:
- Preterm children displayed significantly higher activity levels compared to full-term children.
- Preterm children exhibited lower scores in Attentional Focusing and Attention Span/Persistence.
- Extremely preterm children showed even higher activity levels than other preterm groups.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children generally present with a less regulated temperament than full-term children.
- Prematurity is associated with specific behavioral style differences, particularly in attention.
- Findings highlight the need for early developmental support for preterm infants.
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