Temperament
biologically based individual differences in behavioral functioning that remain stable over time
What was the first major study of Temperament?
141 participants were followed from infancy to adulthood where parents were interviewed about their children
In the First Major Study of Temperament, how often were parents interviewed about their 0-18 month old?
Every 3 months
In the First Major Study of Temperament, how often were parents interviewed about their 18 month to 5 year old?
Every 6 months
In the First Major Study of Temperament, how often were parents interviewed about their 5+ year old?
Every year
What was found from the First major study of Temperament?
there are nine dimensions of temperament
What are the nine dimensions of temperament?
- Mood
- approach/withdrawal
- Adaptability
- Intensity
- Rhythm
- persistence
- Sensory Threshold
- Activity
- Distractibility
Mood
whether people are habitually positive or negative
Signs of a positive mood in children
smile and laughing at parents, happily plays with parents/siblings, joy from accomplishments
Signs of a negative mood in children
fussy during and after eating, crying often, cries when mother leaves briefly, intense distress when unable to complete homework problems
Approach/Withdrawal
how children respond to novelty (new things)
High Approach Indicators
enjoy encountering new people and not afraid to take risks
Low Approach Indicators
do not like new activities and can be tentative/frightened by new situations
Adaptability
How a child responds to changes in daily routine
Adaptable Indicators
can nap anywhere
Not Adaptable Indicators
must nap at specific times/place, distress with new babysitters/school/teacher
Intensity
Strength of emotional reactions
High intensity
exhibit extreme highs and lows
Low Intensity
subdued reactions
Rhythm
Regularity of a child’s biological reactions
Predicable/Regular Child
sleep/eat at same time each day and same amount
Unpredictable/Irregular Child
does not sleep/eat regularly
Persistence
How Children respond to challenges
Sensory Threshold
how sensitive a child is to sensory stimuli
High Threshold
can sleep through anything and ignore loud noise in restraunts
Low Threshold
notices even soft sounds; irritated by even fabrics or clothing
Activity
what proportion of the day do kids spend time being physically active vs inactive?
Distractibility
how good a child is at focusing on an object/task and ignoring distracting stimuli
What is the Easy Temperament combination?
positive, rhythmic, adaptable and mild to moderate intensity
What is the Difficult Temperament Combination?
negative, active, irregular, non-adaptive, withdrawal and intense
What is the Slow to Warm up temperament combination?
withdrawal, slow to adapt, mild to moderate reactivity, low in activity
What is the main factor that influences temperament over time?
The “goodness of fit” between children and parent; the parent has to work with child, not against
What are the criticisms of Thomas and Chess?
- same interviewer talked to parents each time
- social desirability bias
- negative bias
What are modern measurement techniques used when interviewing parents?
- video tape
- more precise questions
- interview supplemented by other methods
Kagan Study
Measured 4 month olds reactions to novel experiences and then again at 4 years in lab to see if temperament is consistent over time
What did the Kagan Study conclude?
temperament can change a bit , but not dramatically