Related Experiment Videos
Multimethod assessment of temperament in twins: birth to six months
Insights
Neonatal behavior predicts infant temperament at six months, with irritable newborns showing more negative temperaments. However, this study found no significant genetic influences on early temperament development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Early childhood temperament is crucial for development.
- Understanding the origins of temperament, including genetic and environmental factors, is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive relationship between neonatal behavior and temperament at 6 months.
- To investigate potential genetic influences on early temperament using twin studies.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 62 twin pairs for neonatal behavior (irritability, soothing, reactivity, activity).
- Evaluated 6-month temperament via laboratory assessment, Infant Behavior Record, and maternal questionnaires.
- Analyzed concordance patterns in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
Main Results:
- Neonatal irritability and difficulty soothing predicted more negative and less adaptable 6-month temperaments.
- Higher neonatal irritability and activity correlated with increased attention and responsiveness during cognitive testing at 6 months.
- No differential concordance for temperament was found between MZ and DZ twins, suggesting no early genetic effects.
Conclusions:
- A modest predictive relationship exists between neonatal behavior and 6-month temperament.
- No specific genetic effects on temperament were detected in the neonatal period or at 6 months.
- Methodological challenges may influence the assessment of temperament consistency.
Abstract:
The predictive relationship between neonatal behavior and temperament at 6 months was assessed in 62 pairs of twins. The neonatal assessment evaluated irritability, resistance to soothing, reactivity, and activity level across various activities. Temperament at 6 months was appraised by a laboratory assessment, ratings on the Infant Behavior Record, and a questionnaire completed by the mother. Examination for temperament consistency from the neonatal period to 6 months indicated that neonates rated by an examiner as irritable and difficult to soothe were reported by the mother to be more negative, irritable, and slower to adapt at 6 months; neonates rated as more irritable and active were more attentive and responsive during mental testing at 6 months; there was no relationship between the neonatal measures and the laboratory ratings, possibly reflecting methodological problems influenced by maturation and vegetative processes at 6 months. Analyses for patterns of concordance within the various data sets for MZ and DZ twins indicated that there was no pattern of differential concordance favoring MZ twins for the temperament measures at birth or at 6 months. It was concluded that a modest predictive relationship between temperament variables had been demonstrated from birth to 6 months, but no specific genetic effects were detected at these early ages.