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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Temperament of preterm infants: its relationship to perinatal factors and one-year outcome

G Ross

    Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
    |April 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Preterm infants do not have more difficult temperaments than full-term infants. However, infant temperament is linked to perinatal factors and later cognitive development, impacting adaptability and persistence.

    Area of Science:

    • Developmental Psychology
    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Temperament differences between preterm and full-term infants are not well understood.
    • The relationship between perinatal factors and infant temperament requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare temperament in preterm versus full-term infants.
    • To explore the association between perinatal factors and infant temperament.
    • To examine the link between temperament and cognitive development in infants.

    Main Methods:

    • Parents completed the Toddler Temperament Scale (TTS) for 98 preterm and 89 full-term infants at 12 months post-term.
    • Preterm infants underwent the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis.
    • Temperament dimensions, perinatal factors (respiratory distress), and neurodevelopmental outcomes were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • No significant differences in overall temperament or specific dimensions were found between preterm and full-term infants.
    • Respiratory distress severity in preterm infants correlated with atypical temperament scores.
    • Lower adaptability, persistence, and increased withdrawal were associated with poorer Bayley Mental Scales performance.

    Conclusions:

    • Infant temperament does not appear to differ based on birth status (preterm vs. full-term).
    • Perinatal respiratory distress can influence temperament in preterm infants.
    • Specific temperament traits are associated with cognitive development outcomes in infancy.

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