A Preliminary Study of Temperament Among Malnourished Mayan Children |
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Authors: | Janina R. Galler Maria Dolores Cervera Robert H. Harrison |
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Affiliation: | 1. Center for Behavioral Development and Mental Retardation, Boston University School of Medicine, 80 East Concord Street, Suite M923, Boston, MA 02118, USA;2. Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Merida, Mexico |
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Abstract: | Temperament ratings using a modified Carey Infant Temperament Questionnaire were assessed in marginally malnourished and healthy comparison infants aged 7–13 months. The children were selected from a total of 81 children in this age range living in a rural region of southern Yucatan, Mexico. Eleven marginally malnourished infants whose weights fell between one-half and two standard deviations below local means and 14 comparison children whose weights fell one-half to two standard deviations above the local means were included in the study. Lengths did not differ between index and comparison groups. Related temperament categories were statistically grouped into two factors. Factor 1 (Difficult Child), which included approach, mood, threshold, adaptability and rhythmicity, showed a significant nutrition × sex interaction; Factor 2 (Activity) did not distinguish the groups. Comparison boys were viewed as significantly easier than marginally malnourished boys, and they were more adaptable to change and predictable in biological functions. Girls were similar regardless of nutritional status, and their scores were intermediate between those of malnourished and well-nourished boys. These findings were not significantly associated with environmental conditions in the home. |
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Keywords: | Infants Malnutrition Low weight Temperament |
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