Executive functions and behaviour in prematurely born children
Executive functions and behaviour in prematurely born children
The thesis investigated Executive Functions (EF) and behaviour outcome in prematurely born children. Three aims were addressed: the first to assess the cognitive and behavioural outcome of prematurely born children, the second to identify which neonatal risk factors may be important in predicting cognitive outcome, and the third to explore the relationship between EF, IQ and behaviour.
Forty prematurely born children and 41 term both control children aged 6-12 years were assessed on a cognitive test battery including EF (working memory, inhibition and cognitive switching), IQ and their behaviour rated using parental report questionnaires. Neonatal data were obtained from hospital medical records.
The results showed that as expected, prematurely born children had an IQ in the low average range, and significant performance deficits on the inhibition and cognitive switching dimensions of EF. Contrary to predictions, prematurely born children did not present with an elevated level of externalizing behaviour problems. However, in an enlarged sample, prematurely born children were found to present with more emotional behaviour problems than their term born peers. The analysis of neonatal risk factors revealed that respiratory insufficiency, particularly the requirement for a prolonged period of neonatal oxygen therapy, was associated with poor inhibition and cognitive switching skills. Low IQ was associated with behaviour problems in the prematurely born group only.
The findings suggest that prematurely born children are at risk of poor cognitive outcome, specifically with respect to EF skills. Higher neonatal respiratory insufficiency represents the risk of poor cognitive outcome in middle childhood, specifically for inhibition and cognitive switching. It is suggested that subcortical brain damage mediates the relationship between neonatal risk and cognitive outcome, and a structural equation model is proposed for investigation in future research.
University of Southampton
Bayless, Sarah Jessica
17be6301-2289-46fc-afb7-f7d43429a3f2
2004
Bayless, Sarah Jessica
17be6301-2289-46fc-afb7-f7d43429a3f2
Bayless, Sarah Jessica
(2004)
Executive functions and behaviour in prematurely born children.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
The thesis investigated Executive Functions (EF) and behaviour outcome in prematurely born children. Three aims were addressed: the first to assess the cognitive and behavioural outcome of prematurely born children, the second to identify which neonatal risk factors may be important in predicting cognitive outcome, and the third to explore the relationship between EF, IQ and behaviour.
Forty prematurely born children and 41 term both control children aged 6-12 years were assessed on a cognitive test battery including EF (working memory, inhibition and cognitive switching), IQ and their behaviour rated using parental report questionnaires. Neonatal data were obtained from hospital medical records.
The results showed that as expected, prematurely born children had an IQ in the low average range, and significant performance deficits on the inhibition and cognitive switching dimensions of EF. Contrary to predictions, prematurely born children did not present with an elevated level of externalizing behaviour problems. However, in an enlarged sample, prematurely born children were found to present with more emotional behaviour problems than their term born peers. The analysis of neonatal risk factors revealed that respiratory insufficiency, particularly the requirement for a prolonged period of neonatal oxygen therapy, was associated with poor inhibition and cognitive switching skills. Low IQ was associated with behaviour problems in the prematurely born group only.
The findings suggest that prematurely born children are at risk of poor cognitive outcome, specifically with respect to EF skills. Higher neonatal respiratory insufficiency represents the risk of poor cognitive outcome in middle childhood, specifically for inhibition and cognitive switching. It is suggested that subcortical brain damage mediates the relationship between neonatal risk and cognitive outcome, and a structural equation model is proposed for investigation in future research.
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Published date: 2004
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Local EPrints ID: 465442
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/465442
PURE UUID: f6597413-af9c-45b1-ae9e-43cab56b0fff
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 01:03
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 20:11
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Author:
Sarah Jessica Bayless
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