Project start date: 1 October 2025, end of project: 30 September 2029

Children born prematurely may later exhibit physical, cognitive, language, motor and socio-emotional difficulties. However, it is difficult to predict this, as the course of development varies greatly from child to child. One factor that may promote positive development could be the ability to adapt to stressful situations. This is also referred to as resilience. In this booster unit, researchers from the fields of medicine, social sciences, special education and music education will work together to determine how resilience in pre-school-aged children who were previously at risk might be measured and influenced. To this end, they are employing a variety of methods, including imaging techniques such as MRI scans and biomarker analyses in saliva.

The researchers are investigating the potential impact of a music education intervention. Studies involving children in other age groups suggest such effects may exist. A better understanding of the factors that influence resilience to a wide range of influences could make it easier for children with developmental disorders to navigate challenging stages of life, such as starting school. For this project, the Oldenburg-based researchers are collaborating with partners including the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and the University Hospital in Munich, the University of Bremen, the Ammerland District Music School and the Saar College of Music.

Further information