The relation of preterm and full-term infants' temperament to test-taking behaviors and developmental status

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relation of preterm and full-term infants' temperaments to both their test-taking behaviors and mental test scores. Sixty preterm infants and 40 full-term infants were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, including the Infant Behavior Record, at 12 months of age. Their mothers completed the Toddler Temperament Scale. Test-taking behavior and temperament were unrelated for full-term infants; however, preterm children who were active and low in persistence on the Toddler Temperament Scale were social and extroverted during developmental testing, although they were relatively low on auditory/visual awareness or responsiveness in the testing environment. Temperament was related to mental scores, but only for preterm infants. Preterm and full-term infants did not differ in temperament.