Development of negative and positive emotionality in irritable and nonirritable neonates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The current study compares the development of negative and positive emotionality of irritable and nonirritable neonates. Background Research indicates that the first few months of life are marked by decreases in negative emotionality and increases in positive emotionality. Methods The Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (NBAS) was administered twice to 111 neonates at 3 and 4 weeks of age to select a sample of irritable neonates and a comparison group of nonirritable neonates. Mothers completed assessments of negative and positive emotionality at 1, 2, 4, and 9 months of age. Results Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate a significant decrease in frustration and a significant increase in positive emotionality from 2 to 4 months of age. Irritable neonates also demonstrate a significant decrease in negative emotionality from 4 to 9 months of age. Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate considerable stability in negative and positive emotionality. Conclusion Implications of these results for parent education and early intervention are discussed.