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Development of negative and positive emotionality in irritable and nonirritable neonates
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Development of negative and positive emotionality in irritable and nonirritable neonates

Beth Troutman, Allison M. Momany and Kelly L. Elliott
Journal of reproductive and infant psychology, Vol.ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), pp.1-14
07/17/2023
DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2233987
PMCID: PMC11610226
PMID: 37458119
url
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11610226/View
Open Access

Abstract

The current study compares the development of negative and positive emotionality of irritable and nonirritable neonates. Research indicates that the first few months of life are marked by decreases in negative emotionality and increases in positive emotionality. The Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (NBAS) was administered twice to 111 neonates at 3 and 4 weeks of age to select a sample of irritable neonates and a comparison group of nonirritable neonates. Mothers completed assessments of negative and positive emotionality at 1, 2, 4, and 9 months of age. Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate a significant decrease in frustration and a significant increase in positive emotionality from 2 to 4 months of age. Irritable neonates also demonstrate a significant decrease in negative emotionality from 4 to 9 months of age. Both irritable and nonirritable neonates demonstrate considerable stability in negative and positive emotionality. Implications of these results for parent education and early intervention are discussed.
 frustration infant temperament negative emotionality Neonatal irritability positive emotionality

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