1
|
Dell'Aversana V, Tofani M, Valente D. Emotional Regulation Interventions on Developmental Course for Preterm Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10030603. [PMID: 36980161 PMCID: PMC10047217 DOI: 10.3390/children10030603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Children born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) are at increased risk of socio-emotional difficulties. This study aims to determine the effects of rehabilitation intervention on the emotional regulation of children born preterm through a systematic review. We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. The literature screening was carried out on PUBMED, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE in August 2022. An author identified eligible studies based on predefined inclusion criteria and extracted the data. RCT quality was assessed using the JADAD and PEDro scales. We selected five RCTs for qualitative synthesis, having the common objective of evaluating the changes in emotional regulation after a rehabilitation intervention. Evidence of benefits was found after parent training intervention (PCIT; p < 0.05). Moreover, there was an improvement in day-to-day executive life and fewer behavioral problems after mindfulness intervention. Clinical, but not statistical, efficacy was found for the group-based physiotherapy intervention. In conclusion, parent training and mindfulness interventions can be helpful rehabilitation techniques, but the relatively small sample limited statistical power, so the discovery needs to be interpreted cautiously. Further research on these aspects is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Dell'Aversana
- MSc in Rehabilitaiton Sciences for Healthcare Professions, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tofani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Valente
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mossad SI, Vandewouw MM, de Villa K, Pang EW, Taylor MJ. Characterising the spatial and oscillatory unfolding of Theory of Mind in adults using fMRI and MEG. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:921347. [PMID: 36204717 PMCID: PMC9530400 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.921347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM) is a core social cognitive skill that refers to the ability to attribute mental states to others. ToM involves understanding that others have beliefs, thoughts and desires that may be different from one's own and from reality. ToM is crucial to predict behaviour and navigate social interactions. This study employed the complementary methodological advantages of both functional MRI (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine the neural underpinnings of ToM in adults. Twenty healthy adults were first recruited to rate and describe 28 videos (15s long), each containing three moving shapes designed to depict either social interactions or random motion (control condition). The first sample of adults produced consistent narratives for 6 of those social videos and of those, 4 social videos and 4 control videos were chosen to include in the neuroimaging study. Another sample of twenty-five adults were then recruited to complete the neuroimaging in MEG and fMRI. In fMRI, we found increased activation in frontal-parietal regions in the social compared to the control condition corroborating previous fMRI findings. In MEG, we found recruitment of ToM networks in the social condition in theta, beta and gamma bands. The right supramarginal and angular gyri (right temporal parietal junction), right inferior parietal lobe and right temporal pole were recruited in the first 5s of the videos. Frontal regions such as the superior frontal gyrus were recruited in the second time window (5–10s). Brain regions such as the bilateral amygdalae were also recruited (5–10s), indicating that various social processes were integrated in understanding the social videos. Our study is one of the first to combine multi-modal neuroimaging to examine the neural networks underlying social cognitive processes, combining the strengths of the spatial resolution of fMRI and temporal resolution of MEG. Understanding this information from both modalities helped delineate the mechanism by which ToM processing unfolds over time in healthy adults. This allows us to determine a benchmark against which clinical populations can be compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I. Mossad
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sarah I. Mossad
| | - Marlee M. Vandewouw
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Center, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathrina de Villa
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth W. Pang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J. Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Psychology and of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu X, Hung A, de Silva AD, Busch T, Mattson WI, Hoskinson KR, Taylor HG, Nelson EE. Development of the mentalizing network structures and theory of mind in extremely preterm youth. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2022; 17:977-985. [PMID: 35428893 PMCID: PMC9629469 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescents born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) are at elevated risk for deficits in social cognition and peer relationships. Theory of Mind (ToM) is a complex form of social cognition important for regulating social interactions. ToM and the underlying mentalizing network continue to develop across adolescence. The present study recruited 48 adolescents (12-17 years old) who were either born extremely preterm (EPT; <28 weeks of gestation) or full-term (FT) at birth. Cortical thickness, gray matter volume and surface area were measured in four regions of the mentalizing network: the temporoparietal junction, anterior temporal cortex, posterior superior temporal sulcus and frontal pole (mBA10). We also assessed the adolescents' performance on a ToM task. Findings revealed both group differences and group-by-age interaction effects in the gray matter indices within the temporal lobe regions of the mentalizing network. The EPT group also performed significantly worse than the FT group on the ToM task. The cortical structural measures that discriminated the EPT and FT groups were not related to ToM performance. These results highlight altered developmental changes in brain regions underlying mentalizing functions in EPT adolescents relative to FT controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Fu
- Correspondence should be addressed to Xiaoxue Fu, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 129 Institute for Mind and Brain, 1800 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201, USA. E-mail:
| | - Andy Hung
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Aryanne D de Silva
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tyler Busch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Whitney I Mattson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kristen R Hoskinson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hudson Gerry Taylor
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eric E Nelson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siffredi V, Liverani MC, Smith MM, Meskaldji DE, Stuckelberger-Grobéty F, Freitas LGA, De Albuquerque J, Savigny E, Gimbert F, Hüppi PS, Merglen A, Borradori Tolsa C, Leuchter RHV. Improving executive, behavioural and socio-emotional competences in very preterm young adolescents through a mindfulness-based intervention: Study protocol and feasibility. Early Hum Dev 2021; 161:105435. [PMID: 34507019 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very preterm (VPT) children and adolescents show executive, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties that persist into adulthood. Despite the promising role of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in improving theses competences in children and adolescents, the effectiveness of an MBI has not been assessed in a VPT population so far. AIMS To describe the protocol and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a clinical trial on an 8-week MBI program to enhance executive and socio-emotional competences in a cohort of VPT young adolescents. STUDY DESIGN A randomised controlled trial (RCT) and a pre-post intervention designs. PARTICIPANTS 164 VPT young adolescents from 10 to 14 years old, born before 32 gestational weeks, without major intellectual, sensory or physical impairments, and attending mainstream school, were invited to participate in an 8-week MBI program. OUTCOME MEASURES Completion rate of the study was recorded. Acceptability, satisfaction and attendance measures of the MBI were collected using self-reported questionnaires and registration of attendance. RESULTS Of the 63 participants who were enrolled in the study (38.2% of families invited to participate), 52 (82.5%) completed all assessments. Acceptability was high as shown by the high attendance rate in the sessions and the feedback evaluation questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that an MBI is feasible to implement and show a high acceptability among participants. The use of an RCT design in our study constitutes the gold standard for testing the efficacy of such intervention in VPT young adolescents. If effective, the MBI program could potentially be a valuable tool for improving executive and socio-emotional competences in the vulnerable VPT population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials, NCT04638101. Registered 19 November 2020 - retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04638101.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Siffredi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Bioengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara Liverani
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; SensoriMotor, Affective and Social Development Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mariana Magnus Smith
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Division of General Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Djalel Eddine Meskaldji
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Mathematics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Stuckelberger-Grobéty
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lorena G A Freitas
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Bioengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jiske De Albuquerque
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emilie Savigny
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fanny Gimbert
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; SensoriMotor, Affective and Social Development Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LPNC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Petra Susan Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Merglen
- Division of General Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Borradori Tolsa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Russia Hà-Vinh Leuchter
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Faces hold a substantial value for effective social interactions and sharing. Covering faces with masks, due to COVID-19 regulations, may lead to difficulties in using social signals, in particular, in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. Daily-life social participation of individuals who were born preterm is of immense importance for their quality of life. Here we examined face tuning in individuals (aged 12.79 ± 1.89 years) who were born preterm and exhibited signs of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a dominant form of brain injury in preterm birth survivors. For assessing the face sensitivity in this population, we implemented a recently developed experimental tool, a set of Face-n-Food images bordering on the style of Giuseppe Arcimboldo. The key benefit of these images is that single components do not trigger face processing. Although a coarse face schema is thought to be hardwired in the brain, former preterms exhibit substantial shortages in the face tuning not only compared with typically developing controls but also with individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. The lack of correlations between the face sensitivity and other cognitive abilities indicates that these deficits are domain-specific. This underscores impact of preterm birth sequelae for social functioning at large. Comparison of the findings with data in individuals with other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions provides novel insights into the origins of deficient face processing.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mossad SI, Vandewouw MM, Smith ML, Taylor MJ. The preterm social brain: altered functional networks for Theory of Mind in very preterm children. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcaa237. [PMID: 33615217 PMCID: PMC7882208 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental difficulties emerge in very preterm born children (<32-week gestation) in infancy and continue to early adulthood but little is known about their social-cognitive development. This study utilized the complementary methodological advantages of both functional MRI and magnetoencephalography to examine the neural underpinnings of Theory of Mind in very preterm birth. Theory of Mind, one of the core social-cognitive skills, is the ability to attribute mental states to others, and is crucial for predicting others’ behaviours in social interactions. Eighty-three children (40 very preterm born, 24 boys, age = 8.7 ± 0.5 years, and 43 full-term born, 22 boys, age = 8.6 ± 0.5 years) completed the study. In functional MRI, both groups recruited classic Theory of Mind areas, without significant group differences. However, reduced Theory of Mind connectivity in the very preterm born group was found in magnetoencephalography in distinct theta, alpha and beta-band networks anchored in a set of brain regions that comprise the social brain. These networks included regions such as the angular gyrus, the medial pre-frontal cortex, the superior temporal gyrus and the temporal poles. Very preterm born children showed increased connectivity compared to controls in a network anchored in the occipital gyri rather than classical social-processing regions. Very preterm born children made significantly more attribution errors and mis-construed the social scenarios. Findings offer novel insight into the neural networks, supporting social cognition in very preterm born children and highlight the importance of multimodal neuroimaging to interrogate the social brain in clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I Mossad
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Marlee M Vandewouw
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,Neurosciences & Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,Neurosciences & Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marleau I, Vona M, Gagner C, Luu TM, Beauchamp MH. [Formula: see text] Social cognition, adaptive functioning, and behavior problems in preschoolers born extremely preterm. Child Neuropsychol 2020; 27:96-108. [PMID: 32716689 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2020.1797656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite medical advances, prematurity is associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental problems. Although social impairments are commonly reported in preterm children, their origins are not clearly determined though they may be associated with the integrity of social cognitive skills, such as theory of mind. This study aimed to assess social cognitive, social adaptive, and social behavior functioning in children born extremely prematurely. Thirty children born between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation and 30 children born at term completed measures of social cognition (theory of mind, affect recognition) between 4:6, 5:11 years of age (mean = 5.29, standard deviation = 0.28 years). Parents completed questionnaires measuring their child's adaptive social functioning and social behavior. Analyses of covariance controlling for cognitive, attentional, executive, sociodemographic, and perinatal characteristics were performed. Children born between 22 and 28 weeks displayed poorer theory of mind (p < 0.01) and affect recognition (p < 0.01) than term controls, and their parents reported lower adaptive social functioning (p < 0.01) and prosocial behavior (p = 0.04). Social cognitive, adaptive, and behavior functioning appear to be affected by extreme preterm birth. These findings may explain the social challenges experienced by extremely preterm children and provide potential loci for targeted interventions to optimize social functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Marleau
- Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke , Sherbrooke, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Ste-Justine University Hospital , Montreal, Canada
| | - Mélissa Vona
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal , Montreal, Canada
| | - Charlotte Gagner
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal , Montreal, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ste-Justine University Hospital , Montreal, Canada.,Research Center, Sainte-Justine Hospital , Montreal, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal , Montreal, Canada.,Research Center, Sainte-Justine Hospital , Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Social problems are an important feature of the preterm behavioral phenotype but are diverse and multidimensional. A model of social competence comprised of the three interrelated components of social cognition, social interaction, and social adjustment is useful in conceptualizing these problems. Weaknesses in social cognition in very preterm (VPT) children, although rarely studied, are found on tasks involving interpretation of social cues. Difficulties in social interaction in VPT infants and young children are documented by structured observations of their interactions with adults. Problems in social adjustment are endorsed on parent and teacher ratings of VPT infants and youth and on self-reports of VPT adults. These multiple deficits likely stem from early disruptions in neural development, are related to other consequences of preterm birth, and subject to postnatal environment influences. Further research is needed to more fully account for the effects of VPT birth on the development of social competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Gerry Taylor
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Around 15 million children are born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) every year. Of these, 15% or 2.25 million are born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks of gestation). Here, the developmental outcomes of VP babies in diverse domains from motor, cognitive, and social function to mental health and well-being throughout childhood and adolescence are reviewed. Their life course adaptation in terms of romantic relationships, employment, and quality of life into adulthood is also considered. Some adverse effects reduce as individuals age, and others remain remarkably stable from childhood into adulthood. We argue that to advance understanding of developmental mechanisms and direct resources for intervention more effectively, social factors need to be assessed more comprehensively, and genetically sensitive designs should be considered with neuroimaging integrated to test alternative developmental models. As current evidence is based almost exclusively on studies from high-income countries, research from low- and middle-income countries is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom;,
- Mental Health and Wellbeing, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Mendonça
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom;,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A Comparison of the effects of preterm birth and institutional deprivation on child temperament. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 32:1524-1533. [PMID: 31711549 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419001457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Both preterm birth and early institutional deprivation are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment-with both shared and distinctive features. To explore shared underlying mechanisms, this study directly compared the effects of these putative risk factors on temperament profiles in six-year-olds: Children born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) or at very low birthweight (<1500 g) from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (n = 299); and children who experienced >6 months of deprivation in Romanian institutions from the English and Romanian Adoptees Study (n = 101). The former were compared with 311 healthy term born controls and the latter with 52 nondeprived adoptees. At 6 years, temperament was assessed via parent reports across 5 dimensions: effortful control, activity, shyness, emotionality, and sociability. Very preterm/very low birthweight and postinstitutionalized children showed similarly aberrant profiles in terms of lower effortful control, preterm = -0.50, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.33]; postinstitutionalized = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.82, -0.14], compared with their respective controls. Additionally, postinstitutionalized children showed higher activity, whereas very preterm/very low birthweight children showed lower shyness. Preterm birth and early institutionalization are similarly associated with poorer effortful control, which might contribute to long-term vulnerability. More research is needed to examine temperamental processes as common mediators of negative long-term outcomes following early adversity.
Collapse
|
11
|
Developmental Disorders Among Very Preterm Children. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-018-0151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
12
|
Witt S, Weitkämper A, Neumann H, Lücke T, Zmyj N. Delayed theory of mind development in children born preterm: A longitudinal study. Early Hum Dev 2018; 127:85-89. [PMID: 30342224 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born preterm are at high risk of developmental delay in various cognitive domains. Moreover, problems in social interaction are more frequently reported in preterm children than in their full-term peers. These difficulties can be observed at two years of age and seem to persist until school age. Although closely linked to social acceptance, remarkably little research has focused on social-cognitive skills such as Theory of Mind in preterm children. AIM The aim of the current study was to assess Theory-of-Mind development in preterm (n = 34) and full-term (n = 38) children over the course of two years. METHODS A Theory-of-Mind scale was administered at the children's age of 3, 4, and 5 years, and we additionally assessed and controlled for general cognitive development. RESULTS At the age of 3, mean Theory-of-Mind scores were 1.23 (SD = 0.65) for preterm and 1.58 (SD = 0.76) for full-term children. By the age of 5, preterm children's performance (M = 3.50, SD = 1.16) was similar to that of full-term children (M = 3.52, SD = 0.98), revealing a significant interaction effect between birth status and time of measurement, F(1, 44.424) = 4.76, p = .035. CONCLUSION The interaction effect indicates that preterm children show a delay rather than a general deficit in Theory-of-Mind development. Mechanisms underlying this course of development are still unknown. To examine why problems in social interaction persist despite improving Theory-of-Mind abilities, future research should extend the focus to implicit mental reasoning in preterm children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Witt
- TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Almut Weitkämper
- University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Helmut Neumann
- University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peralta-Carcelen M, Schwartz J, Carcelen AC. Behavioral and Socioemotional Development in Preterm Children. Clin Perinatol 2018; 45:529-546. [PMID: 30144853 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prematurity is a significant risk factor for impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes. These include motor, cognitive, language, behavioral, and socioemotional competence. Long-term overall function depends on healthy socioemotional functioning. The vulnerability of the preterm brain during critical periods of development contributes to behavioral and socioemotional problems in preterm children. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical features are more frequent in preterm children compared with their full-term counterparts; however, true rates of ASD and ADHD vary across studies. Early detection of behavioral and socioemotional problems in preterm children would enable timely early intervention to improve long-term functional outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Peralta-Carcelen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dearth Tower Suite 5602, McWane. 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA.
| | - Justin Schwartz
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dearth Tower Suite 5602, McWane. 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA
| | - Andrea C Carcelen
- International Health Department, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room 5517, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Leung MP, Thompson B, Black J, Dai S, Alsweiler JM. The effects of preterm birth on visual development. Clin Exp Optom 2017; 101:4-12. [PMID: 28868651 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born very preterm are at a greater risk of abnormal visual and neurological development when compared to children born at full term. Preterm birth is associated with retinopathy of prematurity (a proliferative retinal vascular disease) and can also affect the development of brain structures associated with post-retinal processing of visual information. Visual deficits common in children born preterm, such as reduced visual acuity, strabismus, abnormal stereopsis and refractive error, are likely to be detected through childhood vision screening programs, ophthalmological follow-up or optometric care. However, routine screening may not detect other vision problems, such as reduced visual fields, impaired contrast sensitivity and deficits in cortical visual processing, that may occur in children born preterm. For example, visual functions associated with the dorsal visual processing stream, such as global motion perception and visuomotor integration, may be impaired by preterm birth. These impairments can continue into adolescence and adulthood and may contribute to the difficulties in learning (particularly reading and mathematics), attention, behaviour and cognition that some children born preterm experience. Improvements in understanding the mechanisms by which preterm birth affects vision will inform future screening and interventions for children born preterm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myra Ps Leung
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Black
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shuan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane M Alsweiler
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mossad SI, Smith ML, Pang EW, Taylor MJ. Neural correlates of "Theory of Mind" in very preterm born children. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:5577-5589. [PMID: 28766907 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) birth (<32 weeks' gestational age) has been implicated in social-cognitive deficits including Theory of Mind (ToM); the ability to attribute mental states to others and understand that those beliefs can differ from one's own or reality. The neural bases for ToM deficits in VPT born children have not been examined. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) for its excellent spatial and temporal resolution to determine the neural underpinnings of ToM in 24 VPT and 24 full-term born (FT) children (7-13 years). VPT children performed more poorly on neuropsychological measures of ToM but not inhibition. In the MEG task, both FT children and VPT children recruited regions involved in false belief processing such as the rIFG (VPT: 275-350 ms, FT: 250-375 ms) and left inferior temporal gyrus (VPT: 375-450 ms, FT: 325-375 ms) and right fusiform gyrus (VPT: 150-200 ms, FT: 175-250 ms). The rIPL (included in the temporal-parietal junction) was recruited in FT children (475-575 ms) and the lTPJ in VPT children (500-575 ms). However, activations in all regions were reduced in the VPT compared to the FT group. We suggest that with increasing social-cognitive demands such as varying the type of scenarios in the standardized measure of ToM, reduced activations in the rIFG and TPJ in the VPT group may reflect the decreased performance. With access to both spatial and temporal information, we discuss the role of domain general and specific regions of the ToM network in both groups. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5577-5589, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I Mossad
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth W Pang
- Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zmyj N, Witt S, Weitkämper A, Neumann H, Lücke T. Social Cognition in Children Born Preterm: A Perspective on Future Research Directions. Front Psychol 2017; 8:455. [PMID: 28611695 PMCID: PMC5447081 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major risk factor for children’s development. It affects children’s cognitive and intellectual development and is related to impairments in IQ, executive functions, and well-being, with these problems persisting into adulthood. While preterm children’s intellectual and cognitive development has been studied in detail, their social development and social-cognitive competencies have received less attention. Namely, preterm children show problems in interactions with others. These interaction problems are present in relationships with parents, teachers, and peers. Parents’ behavior has been identified as a possible mediator of children’s social behavior. Maternal sensitivity and responsiveness as well as absence of mental disorders foster children’s social development. In this article, we will report on the social side of impairments that preterm children face. The review of the literature revealed that preterm infants’ joint attention abilities are impaired: They are less likely to initiate joint attention with others and to respond to others’ efforts to engage in joint attention. These deficits in joint attention might contribute to later impairments in social cognition, which in turn might affect social interaction skills. Based on these three domains (i.e., problems in social interaction, parental behavior, and impairments in joint attention), we suggest that preterm children’s social cognitive abilities should be investigated more intensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Zmyj
- Institute of Psychology, TU Dortmund UniversityDortmund, Germany
| | - Sarah Witt
- Institute of Psychology, TU Dortmund UniversityDortmund, Germany
| | - Almut Weitkämper
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Helmut Neumann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Montagna A, Nosarti C. Socio-Emotional Development Following Very Preterm Birth: Pathways to Psychopathology. Front Psychol 2016; 7:80. [PMID: 26903895 PMCID: PMC4751757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Very preterm birth (VPT; < 32 weeks of gestation) has been associated with an increased risk to develop cognitive and socio-emotional problems, as well as with increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorder, both with childhood and adult onset. Socio-emotional impairments that have been described in VPT individuals include diminished social competence and self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, shyness and timidity. However, the etiology of socio-emotional problems in VPT samples and their underlying mechanisms are far from understood. To date, research has focused on the investigation of both biological and environmental risk factors associated with socio-emotional problems, including structural and functional alterations in brain areas involved in processing emotions and social stimuli, perinatal stress and pain and parenting strategies. Considering the complex interplay of the aforementioned variables, the review attempts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between very preterm birth, socio-emotional vulnerability and psychopathology. After a comprehensive overview of the socio-emotional impairments associated with VPT birth, three main models of socio-emotional development are presented and discussed. These focus on biological vulnerability, early life adversities and parenting, respectively. To conclude, a developmental framework is used to consider different pathways linking VPT birth to psychopathology, taking into account the interaction between medical, biological, and psychosocial factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Montagna
- Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Centre for the Developing Brain, St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Chiara Nosarti
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondon, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Williamson KE, Jakobson LS. Social perception in children born at very low birthweight and its relationship with social/behavioral outcomes. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2014; 55:990-8. [PMID: 24552579 PMCID: PMC4263237 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that children born very prematurely are at substantially elevated risk for social and behavioral difficulties similar to those seen in full-term children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). METHODS To gain insight into core deficits that may underlie these difficulties, in this study, we assessed the social perceptual skills of 8- to 11-year-old children born at very low birthweight (VLBW) (<1,500 g) and age-matched, full-term controls, using the Child and Adolescent Social Perception Measure. We also assessed social and behavioral outcomes with two parent-report measures used in ASD screening. RESULTS Children in the preterm group had normal range estimated verbal IQ. However, we found that they were impaired in their ability to use nonverbal cues from moving faces and bodies, and situational cues, to correctly identify the emotions of characters depicted in videotaped social interactions. Their performance on this task was related to the number of 'autistic-like' traits they displayed. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights links between social perceptual deficits and poor social and behavioral outcomes in children born very prematurely. The results also suggest that even those who have escaped major intellectual/language problems are at risk for social and behavioral problems that can be of clinical concern.
Collapse
|
19
|
Williamson KE, Jakobson LS, Saunders DR, Troje NF. Local and global aspects of biological motion perception in children born at very low birth weight. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:603-28. [PMID: 25103588 PMCID: PMC4566871 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.945407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Biological motion perception can be assessed using a variety of tasks. In the present study, 8- to 11-year-old children born prematurely at very low birth weight (<1500 g) and matched, full-term controls completed tasks that required the extraction of local motion cues, the ability to perceptually group these cues to extract information about body structure, and the ability to carry out higher order processes required for action recognition and person identification. Preterm children exhibited difficulties in all 4 aspects of biological motion perception. However, intercorrelations between test scores were weak in both full-term and preterm children--a finding that supports the view that these processes are relatively independent. Preterm children also displayed more autistic-like traits than full-term peers. In preterm (but not full-term) children, these traits were negatively correlated with performance in the task requiring structure-from-motion processing, r(30) = -.36, p < .05), but positively correlated with the ability to extract identity, r(30) = .45, p < .05). These findings extend previous reports of vulnerability in systems involved in processing dynamic cues in preterm children and suggest that a core deficit in social perception/cognition may contribute to the development of the social and behavioral difficulties even in members of this population who are functioning within the normal range intellectually. The results could inform the development of screening, diagnostic, and intervention tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. E. Williamson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, WinnipegMB, Canada
| | - L. S. Jakobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, WinnipegMB, Canada
| | - D. R. Saunders
- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, KingstonON, Canada
| | - N. F. Troje
- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, KingstonON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|