Very preterm birth and trajectories of domain-specific self-concept from childhood into adulthood

Abstract

Self-concept refers to individuals’ perceptions of themselves in specific domains and is closely related with their overall self-esteem. Lower self-esteem has been reported in those born preterm (<37 weeks gestation), but the development of self-concept has not been studied in this population. This study investigates whether differences in trajectories of domain-specific self-concepts are explained by premature birth or other risk factors, using the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (N = 460), a population-based study of very preterm (VP; <32 weeks gestation)/very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) cohort and term-born controls. Trajectories of body and social self-concept from 6 to 26 years of age were estimated using latent class growth analysis. Regression models examined the effects of VP/VLBW and other individual, social, and family factors. Two trajectories – one stable and one decreasing – were identified for both self-concepts. VP/VLBW birth was associated with decreasing self-concept in both domains, although the effect of VP/VLBW on social self-concept was weakened in the adjusted analysis. Furthermore, mediated pathways were found from VP/VLBW to decreasing social self-concept via chronic bullying (β = 0.05, 95% CI [0.002, 0.12]) and motor impairments (β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.07]), suggesting that negative self-concept in the VP/VLBW population is partially modifiable through improving peer relationships and motor impairments in childhood.

Motor abilities in adults born with very low birthweight: A study of two birth cohorts from Finland and Norway

“…Motor difficulties have been associated with decreased social self‐concept in adults born very preterm/VLBW at age 26 years 5 . Reduced self‐concept together with poor motor abilities might interfere with the ability to participate both in social and in physical activities 1 .…”

“…Handedness was assessed by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form, where participants reported their preferred hand for writing, throwing, using a toothbrush, and using a spoon, resulting in categorization into right-, mixed-, or left-handedness. 13 Data on participants' education were collected by self-report and categorized into the education levels of lower secondary or lower (International Standard Classification of Education 1-2), intermediate (3)(4)(5), or lower tertiary or higher (6)(7)(8).…”

“…29 Motor difficulties have been associated with decreased social self-concept in adults born very preterm/VLBW at age 26 years. 5 Reduced self-concept together with poor motor abilities might interfere with the ability to participate both in social and in physical activities. 1 Poor motor abilities may also affect daily living activities and academic achievement, 6 which in our study was reflected by fewer adults born with VLBW having attained higher-level education than control individuals.…”

“…1,3 Childhood motor difficulties are associated with later mental health problems among adults born with extremely low birthweight (<1000 g) 4 and decreasing self-concept among adults born very preterm/VLBW. 5 Furthermore, motor difficulties may interfere with social and daily living activities, physical activity, and academic achievement. 6 Evidence is scarce about motor abilities in the adult population who were born VLBW, but a few studies indicate that motor difficulties persist into young adulthood.…”

“…Childhood motor difficulties are associated with later mental health problems among adults born with extremely low birthweight (<1000 g) 4 and decreasing self‐concept among adults born very preterm/VLBW 5 . Furthermore, motor difficulties may interfere with social and daily living activities, physical activity, and academic achievement 6 .…”