DiPietro, J. A. and Porges, S. W. (1991). Relations between neonatal states and 8-month developmental outcome in preterm infants. Infant Behavior and Development, 14, 441-450.
Abstract
This study investigated longitudinal relations between measures of neonatal state behavior and developmental outcome in a sample of preterm infants (N=16). Results indicate that irritability/reactivity in the neonatal period is positively associated with Bayley scores and exploratory play at 8 months. Conversely, neonatal alertness was not associated with these developmental measures. These preliminary findings, based on a small sample, are discussed in the context of preterm function.