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Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Development of negative and positive emotionality in irritable and nonirritable neonates
Beth Troutman1, Allison M Momany2, Kelly L Elliott3
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Objective:
The current study compares the development of negative and positive emotionality of irritable and nonirritable neonates.
Background:
Research indicates that the first few months of life are marked by decreases in negative emotionality and increases in positive emotionality.
Methods:
The Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (NBAS) was administered twice to 111 neonates at 3 and 4 weeks of age to select a sample of irritable neonates and a comparison group of nonirritable neonates. Mothers completed assessments of negative and positive emotionality at 1, 2, 4, and 9 months of age.
Results:
Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate a significant decrease in frustration and a significant increase in positive emotionality from 2 to 4 months of age. Irritable neonates also demonstrate a significant decrease in negative emotionality from 4 to 9 months of age. Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate considerable stability in negative and positive emotionality.
Conclusion:
Implications of these results for parent education and early intervention are discussed.
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