Early Childhood Regulatory Problems and Risk for Psychopathology

Early regulatory problems are defined as excessive crying beyond 3 months of age and sleeping and feeding problems beyond 6 months of age. Approximately 20% of infants have regulatory problems, which are challenging for parents and a source of concern. Until recently, it was unknown whether infants and toddlers outgrow these early problems or whether early regulatory problems have long-term adverse consequences on mental health. Using large-scale epidemiological and longitudinal data from different countries, I have conducted research to answer the following three questions:

1. (Why) Do early regulatory problems matter?
2. How can we explain the long-term outcomes?
3. Why do some infants have regulatory problems?

I will present my findings on these three research questions, which suggest that regulatory problems might be the earliest signs of mental health disorders.