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The relation between neonatal and later activity and temperament.
Child Development
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Neonatal movement vigor predicts childhood activity levels and temperament. More vigorous infants tend to be more active and approach new experiences, while less vigorous infants become less active children.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Temperament Research
Background:
- Early childhood activity levels are thought to influence temperament.
- Longitudinal studies suggest activity characteristics persist over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neonatal movement vigor and childhood activity levels.
- To examine the association between early activity and later temperamental style in children.
Main Methods:
- Monitored activity of 50 children as neonates using electronic monitors.
- Re-monitored activity of the same children (4-8 years old) using ambulatory microcomputers.
- Parents completed the Behavioral Style Questionnaire to assess temperament.
Main Results:
- Neonatal and childhood day/night activity levels were unrelated.
- Neonatal movement vigor positively correlated with higher daytime activity in childhood.
- Least vigorous neonates became the least active children during the day.
- Most active neonates became children who approached new experiences, according to parents.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal movement vigor is a predictor of childhood activity levels.
- Early motor activity influences the development of approach-related temperamental style.
- Activity characteristics established in infancy can persist and shape later behavior.