Degree Date

2013

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

An observational measure of temperament (MN-PARS) was compared to a parent-report measure of temperament (IBQ-R) at the 6- and 12-month time points for 31 infants at heightened risk for ASD (HR-D = 8) and 15 age-matched LR infants. The Child Behavior Checklist/1½ to 5 was collected at 24 months. Autism diagnostic status was determined at 24 months by trained clinicians. As measured by the MN-PARS, LR infants displayed more negative affect at 6 months and less negative affect at 12 months than HR-D infants, who showed the opposite pattern. On IBQ Negative Affectivity, HRD infants displayed significantly more negative affect at 12 but not 6 months than LR infants. Although many significant correlations were found within each temperament measure, there were virtually no significant correlations between IBQ-R temperament dimensions and conceptually similar MN-PARS ratings at 6 or 12 months. Qualitative inspection of MN-PARS temperament profiles suggested that HR-D infants appeared more passive and dull at 6 months than LR infants, but that by 12 months they showed more irritability and less adaptability. The measure that best differentiated the HR-D and LR infants was the Pervasive Developmental Problems Scale on the CBCL/1½ to 5, which was administered at 24 months.

Comments

For those outside the Bryn Mawr community who want access to this dissertation, check Proquest Digital Dissertations, order through your library's ILL department, or see if the dissertation is available for purchase through Proquest.

COinS