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Premature infants more likely to be socially withdrawn as adults

Infants in Germany who are born at very low birth weights or are very premature are more likely to be socially withdrawn, neurotic and exhibit signs of autism later in life, according to recently published data in the BMJ.

“[Very preterm]/[very low birth weight] birth poses an important risk for a global withdrawn personality, as indicated by being less socially engages (introversion), low in taking risks, poor in communication (autistic features) and easily worried (neuroticism). This profile might help explain the social difficulties [very preterm]/[very low birth weight] individuals experience in adults roles, such as in peer/partner relationships and career,” Dieter Wolke, PhD, department of psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, and colleagues wrote.

Dieter Wolke

Wolke and colleagues analyzed data from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study to assess the correlation between gestational age at birth and birth weight with personality characteristics at age 26 years. Two-hundred very preterm (VP)/very low birth weight (VLBW) patients and 197 controls were enrolled in the study.

Very preterm was considered delivery prior to 32 weeks, and very low birth weight was considered less than 1,500 g at birth.

Using the 10-item German screening version of the Big Five Inventory to assess personality, results demonstrated that VP and VLBW participants had significantly higher scores for autistic features, introversion and neuroticism scales, compared with the controls. Additionally, VP and VLBW were less likely to take risks, compared with controls.

No association between birth weight and gestational period was seen with conscientiousness or closeness scales.

The researchers noted that the study findings were not dependent on the infant’s gender, their family socioeconomic status or general cognitive abilities.

“Personality characteristics are very important because they help people to develop into adult roles and form and maintain social relationships. Very premature and very low birth weight adults who have socially withdrawn personality might experience difficulty dealing with social relationships with their peers, friends and partners,” Wolke said in a press release. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.