Search Results: MCHLine

Annotation: This project addressed the need for controlled studies of the psychological and health outcomes of those infants with nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFTT) who have received early intervention, in order to assess early developmental delays and family influences which mediate intervention effects. The family, the environment, and the psychological and physical health outcomes of children originally diagnosed with NOFTT during the first year of life were compared to a sample of physically healthy infants who were matched by child and family characteristics. The findings documented continuing psychological risk to children with early histories of NOFFT, specifically they demonstrated more behavior symptoms, and less adequate abilities to contain impulses, delay gratification, or change their behavior in response to novel situations. The findings suggested that pediatricians should continue to monitor the psychological adjustment of these children, especially those with dysfunctional families. Additional studies are needed to: Determine whether children with early histories of NOFFT who demonstrate problematic behavioral control as preschoolers continue to demonstrate problems as school-age children; assess the efficacy of interventions tailored to the specific etiology (e.g., maternal relationship deficits, family dysfunction) of NOFFT; assess the efficacy of interventions designed to enhance the parenting abilities and reduce the level of behavioral problems in these preschool children. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Achenbach Behavioral Checklist, Ainsworth Strange Situation Procedure, Attachment Disorders, Failure To Thrive, Families