Study Notes on Temperament and Personality

Characteristics of Behavioral Style

  • Definition of Behavioral Style
    • Comprises characteristics that influence how a person copes with challenges in life.

Temperament

  • Definition: A child's temperament is present at birth and serves as the biological factor influencing individuality.

    • Described as a child's nature, it determines how children engage with the world, not what they do.

  • Role of Temperament

    • Dictates how a child manages new situations.
    • Influences interactions with peers and adults.

  • Distinction Between Temperament and Personality

    • Although often conflated, temperament and personality are separate:
    • Temperament: A component of personality highlighting personal style in relating to the world.
    • Personality: A broader concept that includes intelligence, interests, and capabilities, combining inherent traits and environmental factors.

Influence of Temperament on Personality

  • Factors Determining Child's Personality:

    • Temperament
    • Family life
    • Gender
    • Intelligence
    • Life events
    • Age

  • Effects on Behavior: Temperament shapes feelings, which in turn influence actions.

    • Example: Certain behaviors might reflect age and developmental stage rather than temperament.

Misinterpretation of Temperament

  • Developmental Responses: What appears as a challenging temperament can sometimes be an appropriate developmental reaction to events.
  • Impact on Relationships:
    • A child's temperament influences interactions with other children and adults.
    • It can shape adult responses to children.

Family Dynamics and Temperament

  • Impact on Family Relationships:
    • Temperament affects how children relate to family members.
    • Different interactions can lead to divergent parenting styles for siblings in the same family.

Consistency of Temperament

  • Stability Through Life:

    • A child's temperament typically remains constant into adulthood, with traits present at birth influencing lifelong behavior.
    • Some challenging qualities in childhood (e.g., persistence, high activity) can prove beneficial in adulthood.

  • Behavioral Control in Children vs. Adults:

    • Children exhibit less self-control and are more prone to allow their temperaments to dictate actions.
    • All children may demonstrate negative behaviors in response to their sensitivities.

  • Adult Responses: Adults usually possess better skills in managing reactions to upsetting events or feelings, indicating a developmental shift in coping mechanisms.