Exploring an integrative model of infant behavior: What is the relationship among temperament, sensory processing, and neurobehavioral measures?

Traditionally, developmental psychology, occupational/physical therapy, and behavioral pediatrics view similar infant behaviors from temperament, sensory processing, or neurobehavioral theoretical perspectives. This study examined the relations between similar and unique summary scores of three infant assessments (Early Infancy Temperament Questionnaire – EITQ, the Infant Sensory Profile – ISP, and the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale – NNNS) in a healthy sample of 100, one-month-old infants. A Principal Components Analysis of selected subscale scores derived from the three assessments suggested a three-factor model. Temperament and sensory summary scores had the strongest relations on two factors: Sensory-Affective Reactivity and Engagement. A third factor had strong relations between state regulation and motor competence. This new integrative model also validates an existing model and expands explanation of infant behavior across disciplines and methods which have significant implications for assessment, intervention, and management practices.

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► Examined overlap among subscales of infant measures from three disciplines: EITQ, ISP, and NNNS.
► PCA of selected subscale scores derived from the three assessments revealed a three-factor model.
► Temperament and sensory subscales showed strongest relations on two factors: Sensory-Affective Reactivity and Engagement.
► A third factor had strong relations between state regulation and motor competence.
► New integrative model offers an expanded cross-discipline interpretation of infant behavior.
► Model supports use of specifically tailored interventions to support infant development and attachment.