Premature Babies ‘More Likely To Be Introverted, Neurotic Adults’

(Rex - Posed By Models)

A new study has suggested that babies born very prematurely or severely underweight are at a greater risk of being neurotic and introverted in later life.

Scientists say such a personality profile could help explain the higher rates of career and relationship difficulties experienced by this group in later life.

The study, by the University of Warwick, followed 200 German adults born between 1985 and 1986 either very prematurely or with a birthweight below 1.5kg (3lb 5oz).

Researchers also studied the personality traits of a similar number of adults who were born at full term and with a normal weight.

The test subjects were assessed across five separate criteria - introversion, neuroticism, levels of openness to new experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness.

The study found that adults who had been born very prematurely and underweight scored significantly higher on all but two of the personality traits - conscientiousness and openness.

They also reported significantly higher levels of autistic spectrum behaviours, along with lower levels of risk taking.

Researchers say these traits describe a “socially withdrawn” personality, or someone who is easily worried, less socially engaged, less interested in taking risks and less communicative.

Professor Dieter Wolke, of the department of psychology, University of Warwick, said of the research: “Personality characteristics are very important because they help people to develop into adult roles and form and maintain social relationships.

"Very premature and very low birth weight adults who have a socially withdrawn personality might experience difficulty dealing with social relationships with their peers, friends and partners.

"Defining a general personality profile is important because this higher order personality factor may help to partly explain the social difficulties these individuals experience in adult roles, such as in peer and partner relationships and career.

"Previous studies have found they are more likely to be bullied at school and less likely to progress to university or attain well paid employment.

"They are also less likely to form social contacts, to maintain romantic relationships and to have children.

"If identified early parents could be provided with techniques to foster their child’s social skills to help compensate for socially withdrawn personality characteristics.”

Very premature births at less than 32 weeks and a birthweight of less than 1.5kg are known to be linked to an increased risk of autistic spectrum behaviour.

However, it has not been confirmed how prematurity and low birthweight might affect other personality traits in adulthood.

Early stresses experienced in the womb, and having over-protective parents, are also thought to be possible factors in a withdrawn personality.

Evidence showed that many adults born very prematurely or with a low birthweight are at a higher risk of finding it harder to make friends, find long term partners and become a parents, the researchers added.