Research links premature birth to withdrawn personality

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-07/uow-rlp072415.php

Public Release: 24-Jul-2015
University of Warwick

New research indicates that adults born very premature are more likely to be socially withdrawn and display signs of autism.

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The results showed that the adults born very preterm scored highly for displaying a socially withdrawn personality, indicated by autistic features, neuroticism, introversion and decreased risk taking.

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 Very premature and very low birth weight adults who have a socially withdrawn personality might experience difficulty dealing with social relationships with their peers, friends and partners."

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