The Relationship between Gentle Tactile Stimulation on the Fetus and Its Temperament 3 Months after Birth

Table 3

Comparison of infant temperament type among the three groups (%).

Temperament type	Options	Groups
		No practice group	Irregular practice group	Regular practice group
Different types	Easy	69 (42.1)	33 (53.2)	56 (73.7)	<0.001^a
	Intermediate	85 (51.8)	23 (37.1)	17 (22.4)
	Difficult	6 (3.7)	4 (6.5)	1 (1.3)
	Slow	4 (2.4)	2 (3.2)	2 (2.6)
	Total	164 (100)	62 (100)	76 (100)
Easy type	Easy	69 (42.1)	33 (53.2)	56 (73.7)	<0.001^b
	Others	95 (57.9)	29 (46.8)	20 (26.3)
	Total	164 (100)	62 (100)	76 (100)
Difficult type	Difficult	6 (3.7)	4 (6.5)	1 (1.3)	0.289^a
	Others	158 (96.3)	58 (93.5)	75 (98.7)
	Total	164 (100)	62 (100)	76 (100)

Fisher’s exact; ^bPearson chi-square.
The temperament type is defined by rhythmicity, approach/withdraw, adaptability, intensity, and mood dimensions. Easy type: among 5-dimension scores, not more than 2 is above the average and none is more than 1 standard deviation. Difficult type: 4- or 5-dimension scores are above the average, including intensity dimension, and 2-dimension scores are more than 1 standard deviation. Slow type: it is similar to difficult type, but approach/withdraw or adaptation dimension score is more than 1 standard deviation. Meanwhile, activity dimension score is not more than 1/2 standard deviation and mood dimension score is not less than 1/2 standard deviation. Intermediate type: all others.