Stability of maternally reported temperament from infancy to 8 years.

• DOI: 10.1037/0012-1649.29.6.998
• Publication Date: 2005-09-21T16:20:48Z
• Authors: Robert Pedlow; Ann Sanson; Margot Prior; Frank Oberklaid
• Keywords: 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences

This study explores the stability of temperament, measured by maternal report, from infancy to 8 years in a longitudinal sample 450 children. Prior questionnaire-based, factor-analytic studies have usually assumed that temperament dimensions show continuity during development and that, where same factors emerge at multiple measurement occasions, equivalence. Structural equation modeling was used test these assumptions. Approach, Irritability, Cooperation-Manageability, Inflexibility, Rhythmicity, Persistence showed substantial years. The levels found were substantially higher than has generally been reported. Approach Rhythmicity highest over full age range, whereas Inflexibility absolute level stability.