Socio-emotional development of extremely low birth weight children: Ego-control and ego-resiliency during the preschool years.

摘要

This study explored the socio-emotional development of a sample of high risk, extremely low birth weight (ELBW ;At 39 months of age, children were videotaped in the laboratory setting as they participated in the Barrier Box Procedure. Ego-control and ego-resiliency scales were created from global rating scales and frequency data. Although no group differences were found on ego-control, the ELBW children (N = 41) tended to be less ego-resilient at 39 months than their normal birth weight counterparts (N = 43; p =.06).;At 52 months of age, 35 ELBW children and 28 normal birth weight children were observed in their preschool and daycare settings. Socio-emotional development was assessed with the California Child Q-Set and with the Child Behavior Checklist. Using the q-set data, variables representing ego-control and ego-resiliency were created by correlating each child's sort with expert-derived prototype sorts of the hypothetical ego-undercontrolling and ego-resilient child. No effect of ELBW was revealed on either ego-control or ego-resiliency. Additionally, the groups did not differ in terms of number of reported behavior problems.;The continuity of ego-control and ego-resiliency across this time period and across differing settings was explored via multiple regression. The 39 month scores were not predictive of the 52 month scores.;Finally, this study examined the possibility that structured and supportive preschool and daycare settings may have modified the effect of ELBW on socio-emotional development. Results indicate that all children benefited from an emotionally supportive environment, regardless of birth status. The study's findings are discussed in terms of methodological issues such as power and differences in measures. Educational implications are noted and directions for future research are described.