Effects of preterm birth and gender on temperament and behavior in children
birth Gendera b s t r a c t The aim of the present study was to assess the direct and interactive effects of premature birth and gender on temperament and behavioral problems in 80 children aged 18–36months. The sample was composed of children born preterm (PT; n = 44) and children born full-term (FT; n = 36). The children’s mothers completed temperament (E C B Q) and behavioral problem (C B C L 1.5–5) assessments. Analyses of variance (ANOVA 2 × 2) were performed. With regard to temperament, PT children exhibited significantly higher scoreson high-intensity pleasure and perceptual sensitivity and lower scores on discomfort, cud-dliness, and Attentional Focusing compared with FT children. Girls scored higher on fearand discomfort compared with boys. With concern to behavioral problems, PT childrenscored higher on attention problems compared with FT children. No interactive effect ofpremature birth and gender on temperament or behavioral problems was found.