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Temperament profiles and their role in neurodevelopmental assessed preterm children at two years of age
N Sajaniemi1, T Salokorpi, L von Wendt
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital for Children and Adolescent, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Preterm infants show distinct temperament profiles and behavioral differences compared to full-term infants at 24 months. These differences in temperament and behavior correlate with neurodevelopmental outcomes, impacting overall development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with potential long-term developmental challenges.
- Understanding temperament differences in preterm infants is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare temperament profiles of preterm and full-term infants at 24 months corrected age.
- To explore the relationship between temperament, neurodevelopment, and behavior in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Toddler Temperament Questionnaire for temperament assessment.
- Employed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and neuropediatric examination for neurodevelopment.
- Assessed behavior using the Infant Behavior Record (part of Bayley Scales).
Main Results:
- Preterm infants exhibited significantly lower activity, higher adaptability, more positive mood, lower intensity, and lower sensory threshold.
- Preterm infants showed reduced goal-directedness, attention, and endurance.
- Preterm infants performed significantly poorer on the Bayley Scales compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants present with a unique temperament profile and behavioral characteristics at 24 months.
- Temperament and behavioral factors are linked to neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering temperament in the developmental trajectory of preterm children.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine whether preterms (n = 80, mean birth weight 1,205 g) differ from full-terms (n = 80) in temperament profile at 24 months of age and to explore the relationship between temperament, neurodevelopment, and behavior. Temperament was assessed using the Toddler Temperament Questionnaire, which defines nine temperament dimensions: activity, rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal, adaptability, mood, intensity, distractability, persistence, and sensory threshold. Neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and by neuropediatric examination. Behavior was assessed using the Infant Behavior Record, which is a part of the Bayley Scales. When temperament was considered, the preterms were significantly less active, more adaptive, more positive in mood, less intense, and lower in threshold to respond than the controls. The results on IBR showed that preterms were significantly less goal directed, less attentive, and lower in endurance than the controls. The preterms performed significantly less well than the controls on the Bayley test. Low Bayley scores correlated with temperament scores of high rhythmicity, positive mood, low persistence, and high threshold and with IBR scores of poor social orientation, negative emotional tone, poor co-operation, short attention span, and poor endurance.