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Diathesis-stress or differential susceptibility? Comparing the theories when determining the outcomes for children

Jacqueline F Gould1, Carolyn Di Fiore2, Paul Williamson2

  • 1South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (Women & Kids), 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia.

Acta Psychologica
|February 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants face higher risks for cognitive and behavioral issues. A supportive home environment may mitigate these risks, though neither diathesis-stress nor differential susceptibility theories were fully supported in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Infants born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) exhibit increased risks for suboptimal cognitive and behavioral outcomes compared to term-born infants.
  • The severity of adverse outcomes correlates with decreased gestational age at birth.
  • Postnatal environmental factors may play a crucial role in shaping developmental trajectories for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diathesis-stress and differential susceptibility theories in preterm infants.
  • To investigate the interaction between prematurity and home environment on long-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
  • To explore potential environmental interventions for improving outcomes in children born preterm.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 535 children born before 33 weeks' gestation.
  • Assessed the home environment at 18 months using the Home Screening Questionnaire.
  • Evaluated cognitive function (Intelligence Quotient) and behavior (Total Difficulties Score) at 7 years of age.

Main Results:

  • No conclusive evidence was found to support either the diathesis-stress or differential susceptibility theories.
  • A supportive and stimulating home environment was associated with a reduced risk or severity of suboptimal cognitive and behavioral scores.
  • The degree of prematurity did not significantly interact with the home environment to predict outcomes in the tested theoretical frameworks.

Conclusions:

  • While theoretical models were not strongly supported, environmental interventions focusing on the home setting show promise.
  • A positive home environment may offer a protective effect for preterm infants' cognitive and behavioral development.
  • Further research is warranted to develop evidence-based interventions to enhance the home environment for preterm children.

Keywords:
Child developmentDiathesis-stressDifferential susceptibilityHome environmentPreterm infant

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