Family correlates of temperament continuity and change across middle childhood.

Abstract

This paper reports on continuity and change of extreme traits of temperament from age seven to 12 in subgroups selected from a large random sample and on the association of continuity with certain aspects of family functioning. Results suggest a definite degree of stability of extreme temperament over time. Implications of the findings are discussed and directions for future research suggested.

The development of impulsivity, fearfulness, and helpfulness during childhood: patterns of consistency and change in the trajectories of boys and girls

“…Guerin and Gottfried (1994) similarly reported few sex differences in rank‐order and mean‐level personality traits during childhood, while Roberts and DelVecchio (2000) reported no significant sex difference for rank‐order personality consistency. However, according to other studies with children (e.g., activity: Maziade, Côté, Boudreault, Thivierge, & Boutin, 1986; hyperactivity: Carlson, Tamm, & Gaub, 1997; Rutter, Giller, & Hagell, 1998), mean‐level sex differences were expected. Rothbart (1986) reported no sex differences in personality during the first year of life, and called for longitudinal research that would identify the period at which boys and girls start to differ.…”

Childhood Temperament

“…Bates. Maslin and Frankel (1985) have noted that prediction of type of behaviour disorder from difficult temperament may well depend on interactions with other family influences (see also Maziade, Cote, Boudreault, Thivierge & Boutin, 1986).…”

“…Eamily environment and parental mediating factors, including psychological functioning, marital adjustment, child rearing attitudes and practices, stress and social support factors, are critical mediators of the influence of temperament in the development of behaviour disorder (e.g. Maziade et aL, 1986;Korn & Gannon, 1983). Eamily interventions based on analyses of so-called maladaptive temperament patterns (e.g.…”

Temperament among offspring at high and low risk for depression

“…Temperamental characteristics are evident early in life and stable over time, irregularities in temperament have been shown to predict future psychiatric and behavioral problems, and there is evidence of a relationship between psychiatric disorder in parents and temperament in their children (Maziade et al, 1986;Mufson et al, 1990;Frick, 2004).…”