Stability of Behavioral Characteristics in Preterm Infants

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the developmental and behavioral characteristics of infants at risk for developmental disorders due to prematurity or low birth weight. One question that has arisen is the extent to which such characteristics (e.g., activity level, irritability, social responsiveness) remain stable over time. This study was designed to investigate the question of behavioral stability in a sample of 39 high-risk infants over the first year of life. Behavioral characteristics were assessed using the Carolina Record of Infant Behavior (CRIB) at 3, 6, and 12 months of life. Two general patterns emerged from the data. First, the strongest associations were obtained when the time elapsed between observations was relatively small. Second, the most stability was observed on A scale items, which are described by the scale's authors as developmentally based. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and intervention.