4 temperament theories

4 temperament theories

1. 1) Thomas & Chess

   • 9 dimensional framework using New York Longitudinal Study
     • Dimensions may not be independent, distract ability & attention span could be same thing
       • Difficult to replicate framework on separate samples of children
         • Different temperamental types in infancy, easy, slow to warm up, difficult
           • Difficult kids showed pattern of high scores on intensity of reaction & negative mood, low scores on adaptability, rhythmic it's & approach. Increased risk of behavioural problems
             • Bates & Bates
               • Link between temp characteristics reported by mom at 2 & behaviour probs at 3-6. However May be product of parental perceptions rather than child's actual behaviour
               • link between temp characteristics reported by mom at 2 & behaviour probs at 3-6. But may be product pf parental perception rather than childs actual behaviour
             • Vaughan et al
               • mom had formed a view of temperament before birth.
                 • Ratings were related to mom personality & attitudes towards child rearing
                   • biased, parental perceptions may shape temperament
             • Pauli-Pott et al
               • parental perception of infant emotionality at 4mth predicted measures at 8 mth

2. 2) Buss & Plomin

   • Simpler model, 3 dimentions
     • emotionality, activity, sociability
       • Impulsivity & shyness maybe further dimentions
         • model related well to adult personality theories by Eysenck
           • sociability & impulsivity link to extraversion, and emotionality to neuroticism
             • emphasises genetic influence

3. 3) Kagan

   • Inhibition to the unfamiliar
     • Categorical rather than dimensional approach, emphasising qualitative differences between temperament types
       • Distinction made on basis of behavioural inhibition, some are shy & other socially responsive with unfamiliar people
         • 75% stability in these characteristics into middle childhood
           • psychological differences linked to limbic system
             • some support for psychophysiological reactivity but acknowledges change possible through conscious effort

4. 4) Dunn & Kendrick

   • embedding temperament in social relationships
     • focus on influence of social context on behaviour
       • response to new sibling related not only to temperament but also quality of interaction between mom & child
         • stability of temperament reflects stability of relationship
           • not purely genetic