Studied the early development of inhibited approach through the observation of 48 infants. Subjects (aged 6.5, 10, and 13.5 months) were observed longitudinally as they reached for toys under high- and low-novelty/intensity conditions. Predictions that temperament would affect reaching behavior (with happy children reaching more quickly and…

Associations between maternal sensitivity to infant distress and nondistress and infant social-emotional adjustment were examined in a subset of dyads from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care (N = 376). Mothers reported on infant temperament at 1 and 6 months postpartum, and maternal sensitivity to distress and nondistress were observed at 6…

Examined longitudinally changes in inhibition from toddler age to age 4 and age 7 years. Found that temperament change in children who tested as inhibited or uninhibited as toddlers was more common than remaining extremely inhibited or uninhibited, but that change was largely limited to intermediate groups. Subgroups distinguished by responses on…

This longitudinal study investigated the validity of the Five Factor Model of personality with Swedish children ages 2 to 15 years. Findings of item analyses showed consistently reliable irritability, conscientiousness, and positive activity factors, while internal reliability of other factors increased over time. Found that irritability and…

This study examined early observed parenting and child-care experiences in relation to functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis over the long term. Consistent with the attenuation hypothesis, individuals (n = 863) who experienced: (a) higher levels of maternal insensitivity and (b) more time in child-care centers in the first…

Argues that, although research on conscience development in children has emphasized the contribution of parental socialization, the influence of children's temperament has been largely neglected. Proposes a new framework for the study of conscience development through a synthesis of the two approaches. (MDM)

Four current approaches to understanding temperament are discussed. Theorists representing four postions--Goldsmith, Buss and Plomin, Rothbart, and Thomas and Chess--outline their views by reponding to six common questions. Commentaries highlighting differences and similarities between the positions are offered by Hinde and McCall. (Author/BN)

This study examined the additive and interactive effects of temperament and harsh and indulgent parenting on Chinese children's proactive and reactive aggression. Participants were 401 children (M [subscript age] = 9.29 years, 203 girls) and their parents who were recruited from 2 elementary schools in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The…

Presents a critical appraisal of resilience, a construct connoting the maintenance of positive adaptation by individuals despite significant adversity. Addresses common criticisms, proposes solutions for those considered legitimate, and clarifies misunderstandings surrounding less valid criticisms. Concludes that work on resilience possesses…

Reviews evidence on reliability and validity of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ); presents CBQ data on structure of temperament in childhood. Factor analyses indicate three broad dimensions of temperament: extroversion/surgency, negative affectivity, and effortful control. This factor structure also appears in ratings of children in…

Activity level was measured by two independent methods, a mechanical recording device and teacher descriptions, in a sample of 129 children (65 boys and 64 girls), participating in an ongoing longitudinal study. (Author/MP)

This study examined whether item overlap, or measurement confounding, accounts for the correlation between temperament and behavior problem symptoms in children. Experts rated items on Children's Behavior Questionnaire and Preschool Behavior Questionnaire for their fit to both constructs, and then these items were factor analyzed with longitudinal…

Fourth through eleventh grade students evaluated single personality trait descriptions of hypothetical persons of their own sex. Results are discussed in terms of person-perception and social desirability theories of personality. (ST)

Individual and family characteristics that predict resilience among children exposed to domestic violence (DV) were examined. Mother-child dyads (n = 190) were assessed when the children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age. DV-exposed children were 3.7 times more likely than nonexposed children to develop internalizing or externalizing problems.…