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Personality, emotional and cognitive functions in young adults born preterm

Serafina Perrone1, Elisa Laschi2, Simona Negro2

  • 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

Brain & Development
|July 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Young adults born preterm exhibit lower intelligence quotients and psychological fragility compared to those born at term. Early psychological interventions are crucial for their long-term well-being and societal integration.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth and very low birth weight are associated with increased risks of cognitive deficits and behavioral issues.
  • While early childhood outcomes are documented, adult cognitive and psychological profiles of very low birth weight infants remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term cognitive and personality outcomes in young adults born preterm.
  • To compare these outcomes with individuals born at term.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-five young adults born preterm (<33 weeks gestation or <1500g birth weight) were evaluated.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R) for verbal, performance, and total IQ.
  • Personality profiles were analyzed using the Rorschach test and compared to 13 matched controls born at term.

Main Results:

  • Young adults born preterm demonstrated significantly lower total IQ (90.95 vs 108.77), verbal IQ (89.85 vs 107.69), and performance IQ (92.40 vs 108.31) compared to term-born controls (p<0.01 for all).
  • No significant differences in overall personality profiles were found, with both groups showing adequate internal resources.
  • A trend towards increased anxiety and insecurity was observed in the preterm-born group.

Conclusions:

  • Young adults born preterm exhibit a lower cognitive profile and psychological fragility compared to their term-born peers.
  • Findings underscore the necessity for early psychological interventions to support individuals born preterm.
  • These interventions can equip them with enhanced internal resources for navigating a complex modern society.
Abstract

Keywords:
Developmental outcomeIntelligence quotientsPreterm newbornsYoung adult

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