Tempermaent

Temperament

Definition of Temperament

  • Temperament: Refers to individual differences in emotional, motor, and attentional reactivity as well as self-regulation.

  • Questions about temperament often arise, such as: Why do some babies always seem dazed or always seem happy?

  • These emotional and observable characteristics can be consistent from infancy.

Understanding Individual Differences (Distinctiveness)

Part 1: Individual Differences

  • Infants can be categorized based on temperament.

    • Methodology for Classification:

    • Utilizes parental reports combined with laboratory observations.

  • Categories:

    • Easy Temperament: 40% of infants fall into this category. They:

    • Adjust easily to new situations.

    • Are generally cheerful and easy to calm.

    • Easily establish daily routines.

    • Difficult Temperament: 10% of infants. Characterized by:

    • Frequent negative reactions.

    • Irregular daily routines.

    • Slow-to-Warm-Up Temperament: 15% of infants. Traits include:

    • Slow to adjust to new experiences.

    • Display sensitivity to new situations.

    • Combination of None of the Above: 35% do not fit into these categories.

Part 2: Development of Temperament Across Time (Consistency)

  • Stability Over Time: Considerations of how temperament traits hold over time, often observed through various behaviors:

    • Activity Level:

    • Example: An infant might be active during diaper changes at 4 months and still prefer active play at 2 years but may enjoy quieter activities later on.

    • Distractibility:

    • Example: An infant's level of distractibility can change from stopping crying with a pacifier at 4 months to becoming difficult to soothe (e.g., continuing to cry if desires are not met) at 2 years.

Inhibition in Temperament

  • Jerome Kagan’s research indicated that inhibition plays a significant role in understanding temperament.

  • The process of inhibition relates closely to the emotional responses that can be observed in infants, especially in new situations.

Origins of Individual Differences in Infant Temperament

  • Nature vs. Nurture: The origins of these differences stem from:

    • Genetics: Inherited traits that can predispose certain temperamental styles.

    • Environment: Influences from external surroundings that affect temperament development.

The “Goodness of Fit” Model (Thomas & Chess, 1986)

  • This model suggests that the extent to which specific temperamental styles persist throughout childhood is influenced by:

    • The fit between parenting styles and a child's temperament.

    • Positive outcomes arise when there is a good fit, suggesting that adaptability in parenting can lead to better developmental outcomes for the child.

Culture and Temperament

  • The understanding of temperament can also be influenced by cultural factors, which may categorize temperamental traits differently.

    • Cultural examples given in the transcript showcase a spectrum from individualistic cultures to collectivist cultures, implying different parenting styles and societal expectations impact how temperament is perceived and developed.

  • Specific states or regions highlighted may differ in approach to child-rearing and temperament acceptance, emphasizing the broad nature of this topic in various contexts.