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Early risk factors related to social functioning in young adults born very preterm

Sarah C H Thompson1, Rheanna M Mainzer2, Leona Pascoe3

  • 1School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.

Early Human Development
|December 31, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Individuals born very preterm (VPT) with higher childhood risks in cognition, behavior, emotion, and sociodemographics face greater challenges in social functioning during early adulthood. Early support can help scaffold social skills development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Individuals born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks' gestation) exhibit higher risks for adverse social outcomes compared to term-born individuals.
  • Identifying specific VPT subgroups at elevated risk for poor social functioning is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • This study investigated childhood risk factors associated with social functioning in early adulthood among VPT individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify medical, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and environmental risk factors in childhood.
  • To determine the association of these risks with social functioning in early adulthood.
  • To inform early support strategies for VPT individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal cohort study (Victorian Infant Brain Study) with assessments at birth, 2, and 7 years.
  • Social functioning assessed at age 20 years (N=123).
  • Generalized linear models and multiple imputation used to analyze risk factors and social outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Higher childhood behavioral/emotional problems, lower cognition, and increased sociodemographic risk strongly predicted lower social functioning across all domains at age 20.
  • Medical risk showed a weaker association with social interaction and adjustment.
  • These findings highlight key developmental and environmental predictors of adult social outcomes in VPT individuals.

Conclusions:

  • VPT individuals with elevated cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and sociodemographic risks are more likely to experience lower social functioning in early adulthood.
  • Early identification and support are vital to enhance social skill development in at-risk VPT populations.
  • Intervention strategies should address a spectrum of risks beyond medical factors.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdultDevelopmentLong-term outcomesPrematurityPretermRisk factorsSocial functioning

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