The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the level of self-regulation in the newborn period:

(a) predicts later cognitive and social development at two years of age,

(b) correlates with the duration of breastfeeding and

(c) has an impact on the infants's sleeping rhythms and the infant's autonomic behavior at two years of age.

The study included 38 full term infants of optimal health who were assessed at three days of age, using a screening instrument measuring neonatal self-regulation. The instrument, based on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, was designed to identify three levels of self-regulation (low, average and high). Thirty-six of the infants participated in a follow-up study at 2 years of age, when they were examined on the Griffiths Scales. One of the parents was also interviewed about length of breastfeeding, the child's sleeping habits and the infant's autonomic behavior.

The results show that the level of self-regulation in the newborn period was significantly correlated to 3 out of 5 variables on the Griffiths Scale (Personal-Social development, Hearing & Speech and Eye & Hand Coordination). The results from the interview with the parents indicated differences in sleeping rhythm as well as in breastfeeding patterns between the groups. Furthermore, the study suggested that there are gender-based differences in the level of neonatal self-regulation and that there are gender-based differences in achieved developmental level at 2 years of age, as assessed by the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales.

Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate that infants with a low level of self-regulation are at risk for poorer social and cognitive development as well as regulatory disorders.

C. Lundqvist-Persson, Department of Pediarrics, Boras Hospital, SE-501 82 Boras, Sweden
TEL. +46 33 616 1771, fax. 46 33 162294, e-mail: cristina.lundqvist@psychology.lu.se