title: Preschool temperament of very-low-birth-weight infants.
abstract: This longitudinal study examined the toddler and preschool behavioral characteristics of children who were born with very low birth weights (VLBW; less than or equal to 1,500 grams). The subjects were 40 VLBW children (average birth weight, 1,203 grams) who at birth were appropriate for gestational age and free from congenital anomalies. Data were gathered during home visits when the children were 12, 24, 36 and 48 months and were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation and z tests. Arrhythmicity, low adaptability, and low persistence during the toddler and preschool years characterized the behavioral styles of VLBW children. The temperament dimensions of rhythmicity, adaptability, intensity, mood, and threshold were related to the quality of the child's environment. Clinicians need to be alert to the impact of temperament on the interpersonal milieu of VLBW children and their families.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Schraeder
authors.forename: G Y
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Tobey
mesh_terms: D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010551:Personality; D012931:Social Environment; D013694:Temperament