Do gestational age and weight for gestational age predict concordance in parental perceptions of infant temperament?

OBJECTIVE To study whether infant weight for gestational age, and gestational age predict mother- and father-rated infant temperament (IBQ) at 6 months. METHODS The sample comprised of family units with both biological parents and infants born at term (n = 152). Data on weight and gestational age were collected form obstetric database. RESULTS Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) (weight < 10th percentile for gestational age) were rated by both parents as significantly more fearful and negatively reactive compared to infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Infants born SGA defined by using the lowest 15th or 20th percentile groups did not differ from AGA group in temperament. The weekly continuum of gestational age predicted differences in parental ratings of infant temperamental attentiveness. CONCLUSIONS The predictive significance of infant weight for gestational age and gestational age for behavioral outcomes appear true also for infants born at term. Concordance in parental perceptions of an infant born SGA emphasizes the clinical significance of the findings.