Preterm infants' responses to aversive stimuli

Abstract

Irritability levels and activity reactivity to aversive tactile stimuli were compared for 144 full-term neonates and 191 preterm infants. Irritability ratings increased across the five trials both during and post stimulation for full-term females and males and for preterm females, but not for preterm males. Activity ratings decreased across trials during stimulation for all groups except preterm males, and post stimulation for all groups. Females were more irritable than males during stimulation and full-term infants were more active than preterm infants on the initial trial. No other sex or term group differences were observed during or post stimulation. Findings have implications for future studies of infant brain development and stimulation. (Author/AA) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** Preterm Infants' Responses to Aversive Stimuli Marilyn L. Riese, Ph.D. University of Louisville School of Medicine U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Child Development Unit Health Sciences Center University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky 40292-0001 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY