In order to examine the mechanism whereby stunted children have poor developmental
levels, we compared the behaviour of stunted (N=78) and nonstunted (N=26) children
aged 12 to 24 months, and examined the relationship of their behaviour to their
developmental levels. The effect of nutritional supplementation with or without psychosocial
stimulation on the stunted children's behaviour was also examined. The children were
observed at home during 4 days over a period of 6 months. The stunted children showed
significantly more apathy, and less enthusiasm and variety in exploring, were less happy and
more fussy. Caretakers' vocalisations to them were less warm or instructive. Stunted
children's activity level, exploratory and happy behaviours were predictive of change in
developmental levels measured on the Griffiths Scales, from enrolment to 12 and 24 months
later. Supplementation predicted mental age at 12 and 24 months after enrolment, however,
it had no significant effect on behaviour.