Week 5: the role of temperament

What is temperament?

An individual's typical mode of response, including activity level, emotional intensity, and attention span.

It describes a person's nature, particularly in infants and children.

When does temperament emerge?

Early as prenatally and is observable in newborns

It is evident in infants' different responses to their environment.

How is temperament expressed?

Through various behaviors

Ex. differences in activity levels, emotional reactivity, attention span, and how children interact with their surroundings.

What is the role of biology in temperament?

Temperament is partly genetic and appears early.

Influenced by brain structures & neurochemicals.

Traits are often stable over time.

What is the role of environment and experiences in temperament?

As caregivers moderate how genetic influences are expressed, shaping the development of a child's temperament over time.

What are Thomas and Chess' three classifications of temperament?

Easy: 40% of infants, friendly, adaptable, and happy.

Slow-to-warm: 50% of infants, negative initial responses to new stimuli, slow adaptation.

Difficult: 10% of infants, irregular sleeping/eating, upset by new situations.

What are Rothbart's three dimensions of temperament?

Effortful Control: Ability to inhibit or facilitate emotions/actions.

Negative Affectivity: Includes fear, frustration, sadness, discomfort.

Extraversion-Surgency: Includes positive anticipation, high activity level, impulsivity.

How does temperament impact social-emotional well-being?

Temperamental characteristics can affect social and emotional health, influencing:

Internalizing problems (anxiety, depression)

Externalizing problems (aggression, hyperactivity).

How are personality traits linked to temperament?

Have clear links to temperament variables

Positive/negative emotions characterize both, have clear genetic correlates, and are affected by experience

How does temperament affect early childhood professionals?

ECE’s need to consider how well they accept and adapt to a child's particular temperament

The consequences of temperament often depend on the responsiveness of caregivers and educators