Associations Between Gestational Age and Temperament in Early Childhood: Investigating the Role of Preterm Birth in Temperament Differences

Early childhood temperament is a predictor of later mental health. Previous research suggests that some aspects of temperament differ between children born preterm (PT) and those born full-term (FT). However, some questions on the role of PT birth for child temperament remain open. The study aims to identify associations between temperament and gestational age in the three temperament dimensions of positive affectivity/surgency, negative emotionality, and orienting/regulatory capacity. Additionally, temperament differences in different PT groups (extremely PT, very PT, and moderate to late PT) are considered. Data will be collected via the Pebbles App (previously named kleineWeltentdecker App) and via an online questionnaire (hosted on SoSci-Survey). Participants will be caregivers of children born PT and FT at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). The children will be between 3 months and 2 years old. We will additionally recruit participants via social media and use data from caregivers who use the Pebbles App independently of study participation or as part of a different study.