Children who are born prematurely can later show physical, cognitive, linguistic, motor and socio-emotional abnormalities. However, it is difficult to make a prediction, as the course of development is highly individualised. One factor that favours positive development could be the ability to adapt to stressful situations. This is also known as resilience. In this impulse group, researchers from the fields of medicine, social sciences, special education and music education want to work together to find out how resilience can be measured and influenced in previously at-risk preschool children. To do this, they are using a variety of methods, including imaging techniques such as MRI scans and biomarker analyses in saliva.

The researchers are investigating the possible influence of a music education intervention. Studies with children in other age groups suggest effects in this regard. A better understanding of the factors that change resistance to a variety of influences could make it easier for children with developmental disorders to start challenging phases of their lives, such as the start of their school career. In this project, the Oldenburg researchers are working with partners from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and the University Hospital in Munich, the University of Bremen, the Ammerland District Music School and the Saar University of Music.

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