For the interpretation of the profiles, T - scores around 65 and higher were considered high, T - scores around 60 were considered moderate (in line with mean T - scores of 57 — 62 that were found for children referred to a mental health institution (Achenbach and Rescorla 2000), and T - scores around 55 were considered to be
mild problem scores.
Not exact matches
Consistent with previous research by the test developers, 24 we dichotomized infants by a 9 - month ITSC
score of 0 to 2 (no or
mild regulatory
problems) versus ≥ 3 parent - endorsed symptoms (moderate to severe regulatory
problems), as this threshold has predicted elevated risk of developmental and behavioral
problems at 3 to 4 years of age.25
We also combined the 9 - month and 2 - year ITSC
scores to capture evolution of self - regulation abilities over infancy and toddlerhood; we created a 4 - category variable for children who had no /
mild self - regulation
problems (ITSC
score 0 — 2 at both time points), improved (
score ≥ 3 at 9 months and 0 — 2 at 2 years), worsened (
score 0 — 2 at 9 months and ≥ 3 at 2 years), or had persistent self - regulation
problems (
score ≥ 3 at both time points).
To participate, the couples could not have any
problems with drugs, suicide or violence, and at least one member of the couple had to
score in the
mild to severely distressed range.