Social competence and behavior problems in premature children at school age

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) Vol. 86; no. 3; pp. 391 - 397
• Main Authors: Ross, G, Lipper, E G, Auld, P A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Academy of Pediatrics 01-09-1990
• Subjects: Behavior disorders in children; Causes of; Child; Child Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; Child Behavior Disorders - epidemiology; Child Behavior Disorders - etiology; Child Behavior Disorders - psychology; Childhood mental disorders; Childhood social perception; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature - psychology; Male; Neurologic Examination; New York City - epidemiology; Premature birth; Psychological aspects; Social Adjustment; Social aspects; Social perception in children; Testing; Wechsler Scales; New York City
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.86.3.391

Social competence and behavior problems of 87 children born weighing less than 1501 g were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist when the children were 7 to 8 years old. Both premature boys and girls had significantly lower Social Competence scores than the normative samples of their respective sexes. Only premature boys had significantly higher Behavior Problems scores, with significantly higher scores on behaviors associated with conduct disorders. Premature children in each of three social class groups had significantly lower Social Competence scores and higher Behavior Problems scores than normative children. Furthermore, there was an interaction between prematurity and social class on Behavior Problems scores, with the greatest discrepancy in scores between premature and normative children in the lower-class group. Relative to other predictors, IQ score best explained Social Competence scores and family stability best explained Behavior Problems scores in the premature sample.