Rafaela Guilherme Monte Cassiano

PREMATURITY, NEONATAL HEALTH STATUS, AND LATER CHILD BEHAVIORAL/EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Preterm birth can impact on child development. As seen previously, children born preterm present more behavioral and/or emotional problems than do full-term counterparts. In addition to gestational age, neonatal clinical status should be examined to better understand the differential impact of premature birth on later developmental outcomes. The aim of the present study was to systematically review empirical studies on the relationship between prematurity, neonatal health status, and behavioral and/or emotional problems in children. A systematic search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and LILACS databases for articles published from 2009 to 2014 was performed. The inclusion criteria were empirical studies that evaluated behavioral and/or emotional problems that are related to clinical neonatal variables in children born preterm. Twenty-seven studies were reviewed. Results showed that the degree of prematurity and birth weight were associated with emotional and/or behavioral problems in children at different ages. Prematurity that was associated with neonatal clinical conditions (e.g., sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and hemorrhage) and such treatments as corticoids and steroids increased the risk for these problems. The volume and abnormalities of specific brain structures also were associated with these outcomes. In conclusion, the neonatal health problems associated with prematurity present a negative impact on later child emotional and adapted behavior.

Impact of neonatal risk and temperament on behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm

Children born preterm are at risk for later developmental disorders. The present study examined the predictive effects of neonatal, sociodemographic, and temperament characteristics on behavioral outcomes at toddlerhood, in children born preterm. The sample included 100 toddlers born preterm and with very-low-birth-weight, and their mothers. Neonatal characteristics were evaluated using medical records. The mothers were interviewed using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for temperament assessment, and the Child Behavior Checklist for behavioral assessment. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Predictors of 39% of the variability of the total behavioral problems in toddlers born prematurely were: temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, lower family socioeconomic status, and younger mothers at childbirth. Temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control and lower family socioeconomic status were predictors of 23% of the variability of internalizing behavioral problems. Additionally, 37% of the variability of externalizing behavioral problems was explained by temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, and younger mothers at childbirth. The neonatal characteristics and stressful events in the neonatal intensive care unit did not predict behavioral problems at toddlerhood. However, temperament was a consistent predictor of behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. Preventive follow-up programs could assess dispositional traits of temperament to provide early identification of preterm infants at high-risk for behavioral problems.

Temperament and behavior in toddlers born preterm with related clinical problems

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare temperament and behavior profiles among groups of preterm toddlers differentiated by level of prematurity and the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), controlling for neonatal clinical conditions and chronological age. METHOD The sample comprised 100 preterm toddlers segregated according to level of prematurity (75 very preterm and 25 moderate/late preterm) and presence of BPD (n=36) and ROP (n=63). Temperament was assessed by the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire and behavior by the Child Behavior Checklist. The MANOVA was performed with a post-hoc univariate test. RESULTS The level of prematurity and the presence of BPD and ROP did not affect temperament and behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. However, the covariates age and length of stay in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) affected temperament and behavioral problems, respectively. The older toddlers showed higher inhibitory control and lower activity levels than younger toddlers (range of 18-36months-old). Additionally, toddlers who stayed in the NICU longer showed more pervasive development and emotionally reactive problems than toddlers who stayed in NICU for less time. CONCLUSION The level of prematurity and the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity did not affect temperament and behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. However, a longer stay in the NICU increased the risk for behavioral problems, and age enhanced the regulation of temperament at toddlerhood.

Study Protocol for the Preschooler Regulation of Emotional Stress (PRES) Procedure

Background: Emotional stress regulation (ESR) rapidly develops during the first months of age and includes different behavioral strategies which largely contribute to children’s behavioral and emotional adjustment later in life. The assessment of ESR during the first years of life is critical to identify preschool children who are at developmental risk. Although ESR is generally included in larger temperament batteries [e.g., the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB)], there is no standardized observational procedure to specifically assess and measure ESR in preschool aged children. Aim: Here, we describe the development of an observational procedure to assess ESR in preschool aged children [i.e., the Preschooler Regulation of Emotional Stress (PRES) Procedure] and the related coding system. Methods: Four Lab-TAB emotional stress episodes (i.e., the Stranger, the Perfect Circle, the Missing Sticker, and the Transparent Box) have been selected. Independent coders developed a list of ESR codes resulting in two general indexes (i.e., active engagement and stress level) and five specific indexes (i.e., anger, control, fear, inhibition, sadness). Finally, specific actions have been planned to assess the validity and the coding system reliability of PRES procedure. Ethics and Dissemination: The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini (Italy). The PRES validation and reliability assessment as well as its use with healthy and at-risk populations of preschool children will be object of future scientific publications and international conference presentations.

Temperamento, Prematuridade e Comportamento Interativo Mãe-Criança

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a combined model of temperament assessment of children, differentiated by gestational age, and behavior in the interaction with their mothers. The sample included 10 children, five born full term and five born preterm, aged 18 to 36 months, and their mothers. Data collection was performed in their homes, through an interview with mothers in order to assess their childrens temperament using The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire. The study also carried out a systematic observation of the mother-child interactions in a free-play situation. The data analysis of the interaction focused on the type of beginning of contact episodes, dynamics of activities, responsiveness, synchronicity, intrusiveness, anger/frustration and opposition. Results showed that the temperament of children born full term and preterm differed for the expression of Effort Control and Extroversion. Exchanges started by mothers were the most frequent ones in the interactions of both groups. There were more intrusive mothers and children showed more anger and opposition in dyads of children born preterm compared to dyads of children born full term. The assessment model was useful in order to identify the behavior profiles of children with typical development as well as prematurity in interactions with their mothers.

Temperamento de crianças na abordagem de Rothbart: estudo de revisão sistemática

Temperament is defined through the individual differences in reactivity and self-regulation, with biological composition and may be influenced by the environment. The psychobiological approach of Mary Rothbart has been broadly used in the study of temperament. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the published literature indexed between 2008 and 2011, on the topic of child temperament, from the birth period to school age, according to the Rothbarts approach. The databases used were PubMed, PsycINFO, Lilacs and Scielo. It was found 25 articles which were analyzed by three researchers as to: objective, sample, instruments, results and conclusions. Study samples were predominantly American children (48%) and European (32%), assessed mostly in the first three years old. Most studies (92%) assessed the childs temperament through hetero-report questionnaires, with the mothers being the main informants. The results showed on one hand the relationship between temperament and biological indicators of child (eight studies) and, on the other hand, the association between temperament and familiar context characteristics (seven studies). The relationship between temperament and personality or behavior characteristics occurred in four studies. The rest of the studies showed an association between temperament and disorders /syndromes, family/school contexts or socioeconomic status/immigration. The finding showed that the temperament in the child early stages of development, according to the model of Rothbart, presented associations with personality characteristics, behavior problems and psychopathology, which can be moderated by the interactions with the family environment.Temperamento se define por las diferencias individuales en la reactividad y la auto-regulacion, y la composicion biologica y puede ser influenciada por el medio ambiente. Actualmente el enfoque psicobiologico de Mary Rothbart se ha utilizado ampliamente en el estudio del temperamento. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar sistematicamente la literatura publicada indexada en los ultimos tres anos, sobre el tema del temperamento del nino, desde el periodo de el nacimiento hasta la edad escolar, de acuerdo con el enfoque de Rothbart. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS y SciELO. Encontrados 25 articulos, los cuales fueron analizados por tres investigadores en cuanto a: objetivos, muestras, instrumentos, resultados y conclusiones. Muestras del estudio fueron predominantemente ninos estadounidenses (48%) y Europa (32%) fueron evaluados, sobre todo en los tres primeros anos. La mayoria de los estudios (92%) evaluaron el temperamento del nino a traves de heterorrelato y las madres eran los informantes principales. Los resultados mostraron un lado de la relacion entre los estribos y los indicadores biologicos del nino (ocho estudios ) y, por otro lado, la asociacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del contexto de la familia (siete estudios). La relacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del comportamiento o de la personalidad que se encuentra en cuatro estudios. El resto de los estudios mostro una asociacion entre el temperamento y los trastornos / sindromes, antecedentes familiares / educacion o nivel socioeconomico / inmigracion. Los resultados mostraron que el temperamento en las primeras etapas del desarrollo del nino, de acuerdo con el modelo de Rothbart, mostro asociacion con las caracteristicas de personalidad, problemas de conducta y psicopatologia, puede ser moderado por las interacciones con el entorno familiar.

Temperament of children in the rothbart' s approach: systematic Review study: una revisión sistemática

Temperament is defined through the individual differences in reactivity and self-regulation, with biological composition and may be influenced by the environment. The psychobiological approach of Mary Rothbart has been broadly used in the study of temperament. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the published literature indexed between 2008 and 2011, on the topic of child temperament, from the birth period to school age, according to the Rothbarts approach. The databases used were PubMed, PsycINFO, Lilacs and Scielo. It was found 25 articles which were analyzed by three researchers as to: objective, sample, instruments, results and conclusions. Study samples were predominantly American children (48%) and European (32%), assessed mostly in the first three years old. Most studies (92%) assessed the childs temperament through hetero-report questionnaires, with the mothers being the main informants. The results showed on one hand the relationship between temperament and biological indicators of child (eight studies) and, on the other hand, the association between temperament and familiar context characteristics (seven studies). The relationship between temperament and personality or behavior characteristics occurred in four studies. The rest of the studies showed an association between temperament and disorders /syndromes, family/school contexts or socioeconomic status/immigration. The finding showed that the temperament in the child early stages of development, according to the model of Rothbart, presented associations with personality characteristics, behavior problems and psychopathology, which can be moderated by the interactions with the family environment.Temperamento se define por las diferencias individuales en la reactividad y la auto-regulacion, y la composicion biologica y puede ser influenciada por el medio ambiente. Actualmente el enfoque psicobiologico de Mary Rothbart se ha utilizado ampliamente en el estudio del temperamento. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar sistematicamente la literatura publicada indexada en los ultimos tres anos, sobre el tema del temperamento del nino, desde el periodo de el nacimiento hasta la edad escolar, de acuerdo con el enfoque de Rothbart. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS y SciELO. Encontrados 25 articulos, los cuales fueron analizados por tres investigadores en cuanto a: objetivos, muestras, instrumentos, resultados y conclusiones. Muestras del estudio fueron predominantemente ninos estadounidenses (48%) y Europa (32%) fueron evaluados, sobre todo en los tres primeros anos. La mayoria de los estudios (92%) evaluaron el temperamento del nino a traves de heterorrelato y las madres eran los informantes principales. Los resultados mostraron un lado de la relacion entre los estribos y los indicadores biologicos del nino (ocho estudios ) y, por otro lado, la asociacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del contexto de la familia (siete estudios). La relacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del comportamiento o de la personalidad que se encuentra en cuatro estudios. El resto de los estudios mostro una asociacion entre el temperamento y los trastornos / sindromes, antecedentes familiares / educacion o nivel socioeconomico / inmigracion. Los resultados mostraron que el temperamento en las primeras etapas del desarrollo del nino, de acuerdo con el modelo de Rothbart, mostro asociacion con las caracteristicas de personalidad, problemas de conducta y psicopatologia, puede ser moderado por las interacciones con el entorno familiar.

El temperamento de los niños para hacer frente a Rothbart

Temperament is defined through the individual differences in reactivity and self-regulation, with biological composition and may be influenced by the environment. The psychobiological approach of Mary Rothbart has been broadly used in the study of temperament. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the published literature indexed between 2008 and 2011, on the topic of child temperament, from the birth period to school age, according to the Rothbarts approach. The databases used were PubMed, PsycINFO, Lilacs and Scielo. It was found 25 articles which were analyzed by three researchers as to: objective, sample, instruments, results and conclusions. Study samples were predominantly American children (48%) and European (32%), assessed mostly in the first three years old. Most studies (92%) assessed the childs temperament through hetero-report questionnaires, with the mothers being the main informants. The results showed on one hand the relationship between temperament and biological indicators of child (eight studies) and, on the other hand, the association between temperament and familiar context characteristics (seven studies). The relationship between temperament and personality or behavior characteristics occurred in four studies. The rest of the studies showed an association between temperament and disorders /syndromes, family/school contexts or socioeconomic status/immigration. The finding showed that the temperament in the child early stages of development, according to the model of Rothbart, presented associations with personality characteristics, behavior problems and psychopathology, which can be moderated by the interactions with the family environment.Temperamento se define por las diferencias individuales en la reactividad y la auto-regulacion, y la composicion biologica y puede ser influenciada por el medio ambiente. Actualmente el enfoque psicobiologico de Mary Rothbart se ha utilizado ampliamente en el estudio del temperamento. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar sistematicamente la literatura publicada indexada en los ultimos tres anos, sobre el tema del temperamento del nino, desde el periodo de el nacimiento hasta la edad escolar, de acuerdo con el enfoque de Rothbart. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS y SciELO. Encontrados 25 articulos, los cuales fueron analizados por tres investigadores en cuanto a: objetivos, muestras, instrumentos, resultados y conclusiones. Muestras del estudio fueron predominantemente ninos estadounidenses (48%) y Europa (32%) fueron evaluados, sobre todo en los tres primeros anos. La mayoria de los estudios (92%) evaluaron el temperamento del nino a traves de heterorrelato y las madres eran los informantes principales. Los resultados mostraron un lado de la relacion entre los estribos y los indicadores biologicos del nino (ocho estudios ) y, por otro lado, la asociacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del contexto de la familia (siete estudios). La relacion entre el temperamento y caracteristicas del comportamiento o de la personalidad que se encuentra en cuatro estudios. El resto de los estudios mostro una asociacion entre el temperamento y los trastornos / sindromes, antecedentes familiares / educacion o nivel socioeconomico / inmigracion. Los resultados mostraron que el temperamento en las primeras etapas del desarrollo del nino, de acuerdo con el modelo de Rothbart, mostro asociacion con las caracteristicas de personalidad, problemas de conducta y psicopatologia, puede ser moderado por las interacciones con el entorno familiar.