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Predicting preschool behavior problems from temperament and other variables in infancy

F Oberklaid1, A Sanson, R Pedlow

  • 1Department of Ambulatory Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Pediatrics
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Infant temperament alone poorly predicts later behavior problems. However, mothers' overall temperament ratings and infant behavior reports, combined with factors like male sex and perinatal stress, offer better prediction of preschool behavioral issues.

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Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Uncertainty exists regarding the link between difficult infant temperament and later childhood behavioral problems.
  • Predicting preschool behavior problems from early childhood characteristics is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictive power of infant temperament and other early life variables on preschool behavior problems.
  • To identify key predictors for identifying children at risk for behavioral issues.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from a large, representative community cohort (N=1583).
  • Employed maternal ratings from the Revised Infant Temperament Questionnaire and maternal reports of infant behavior problems.
  • Analyzed prediction models incorporating difficult temperament, overall temperament ratings, infant behavior reports, and demographic/perinatal factors.

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Main Results:

  • Maternal ratings of difficult infant temperament showed limited predictive value for preschool behavior problems.
  • Mothers' overall temperament ratings and infant behavior reports were stronger predictors, especially when combined with variables like male sex, socioeconomic status, and perinatal stress.
  • The combination of mothers' overall temperament rating and infant behavior reports, along with perinatal stress and male sex, provided the most consistent prediction of later problems.

Conclusions:

  • Difficult infant temperament is not a strong sole predictor of preschool behavior problems.
  • Maternal perception of overall temperament and infant behavior problems are more significant indicators.
  • A combination of early life factors, including maternal ratings and demographic variables, offers the best approach for predicting later behavioral challenges.