Executive Function in Infants and Toddlers Born Low Birth Weight and Preterm

Infants born low birth weight (LBW) and preterm were evaluated in a high-risk follow-up clinic and compared with infants born full term. A multivariate linear model was used to examine the overall differences on Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (BSID-III) among three groups: full term, heavy LBW (<2,500 g [greater than or equal to] 2,000 g), light LBW (<2,000 g). Results indicated no significant differences in BSID-III scores between the groups. The BSID-III was used to extrapolate indicators of executive function (EF) components. Dimensions of Mastery Motivation (DMQ 18) was correlated with the EF components. Findings showed that both LBW groups scored significantly lower than the full-term group on the EF components which include attention, plan/organize, working memory, and inhibit. Implications for research is discussed.