Derivation and prediction of temperamental types among preschoolers

Dev Psychol. 1999 Jul;35(4):958-71. doi: 10.1037//0012-1649.35.4.958.

Abstract

The number and nature of temperamental types in 488 children aged 3 years 6 months was examined on the basis of a broad set of temperamental characteristics, including positive and negative emotionality and the attentional and behavioral control domains. Configural frequency analysis methods showed clear support for two temperament types: controlled-nonexpressive and noncontrolled-expressive. These types showed meaningful differences against external criteria related to a wide range of problem behaviors from the emotional, social, and attentional domains. The reports of problem behaviors were obtained contemporaneously from fathers and caregivers. These findings replicated a year later when children were aged 4 years 6 months. Furthermore, the findings showed that infant and toddler-age temperamental characteristics differentiated these preschool-aged types. The authors discuss the implications of the results for a categorical view of temperament-personality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Attention
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Internal-External Control
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Parental Leave
  • Personality Assessment
  • Personality Development*
  • Social Behavior
  • Temperament*
  • Wisconsin