Negative affectivity moderated by preterm birth predicted toddlers’ behavior problems

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the predictive effect of temperament moderated by preterm childbirth on behavioral problems in toddlerhood. MethodThe sample comprised 100 toddlers of 18–36 months of chronological age and their mothers. They were divided into two groups: 50 toddlers born preterm and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PT group), and 50 toddlers born full-term (FT group) and recruited from day-care centers. Mothers completed questionnaires about toddlers’ temperament and behavior. The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire was used to assess temperament, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1¹/²–5) to evaluate the total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the moderation effects of preterm childbirth and temperament factors after controlling for toddlers’ age and socioeconomic level. ResultsThere was a moderation effect between preterm childbirth and temperament. Temperament with more Negative Affectivity, moderated by preterm birth, and less Effortful Control explained the total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems. ConclusionThe findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of preterm childbirth and the dispositional traits of temperament on behavioral problems of toddlers born preterm.