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Within-pair differences in newborn twins: effects of gender and gestational age on behavior
Insights
Neonatal twin behavior, including irritability and activity, shows strong concordance, suggesting genetic influence. Preterm infants exhibit more behavioral issues than full-term twins.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal behavior research
- Twin studies in developmental psychology
- Perinatal psychology
Background:
- Understanding neonatal behavior is crucial for identifying developmental trajectories.
- Twin studies offer unique insights into the interplay of genetics and environment.
- Preterm birth is associated with potential behavioral challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the behavior of full-term and preterm newborn twins.
- To investigate the influence of constitutional factors on neonatal behavior.
- To identify behavioral differences related to prematurity and sex in twins.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral assessments across multiple infant states: feeding, sleep, awake alert, quiet, and fussy periods.
- Evaluation of key behavioral areas: irritability, soothability, reactivity, reinforcement value, and activity level.
- Analysis of within-twin-pair concordance for same-sex and opposite-sex pairs.
Main Results:
- Significant behavioral concordance was found within twin pairs, indicating a strong constitutional influence.
- Same-sex twins displayed significant behavioral concordance, unlike opposite-sex twins.
- Preterm infants showed increased behavioral deviance, particularly in soothability and activity levels, correlating with the degree of prematurity.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal behavior in twins is significantly influenced by shared genetic and constitutional factors.
- Prematurity is associated with heightened behavioral risks in newborn twins.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted support for preterm twins due to observed behavioral differences.
Abstract:
The behavior of 120 full term and 160 preterm newborn twins was assessed in several key areas: Irritability, soothability, reactivity, reinforcement value, and activity level. Infants were assessed during various situations so that aggregate, or summary, scores representing each behavioral area could be obtained. Evaluations were made during a feeding period, an active sleep period, an awake alert period during which orienting and interactional behaviors were observed, a quiet period during which reactivity to stress was observed, and any fussy periods during which irritability and soothability were assessed. Significant within-twin-pair concordance of behavior was obtained for each of the areas of behavior, suggesting the influence of constitutional variables on neonatal behavior. Analysis of these data by sex resulted in significant within-pair concordance of behavior for same-sex but not for opposite-sex twins. The actual ratings on these behaviors differentiated between full term and preterm infants. Increased behavioral deviance was observed with increasing prematurity in the areas of soothability and activity level. The results are discussed in terms of increased risk factors for preterm twins.