The present study deals with temperamental stability, continuity and its relation to behavioral problems and low adjustment during infancy and early childhood. The results are summarized as follows :
1. Although some of temperamental characteristi...
The present study deals with temperamental stability, continuity and its relation to behavioral problems and low adjustment during infancy and early childhood. The results are summarized as follows :
1. Although some of temperamental characteristics based upon NYLS(New York Longitudinal Study) remain stable to some degree from infancy to early childhood, the stabilityis weakened as the period of a longitudinal study is extended longer. Nevertheless, infant's temperament can be regarded as relatively continued individual characteristics in view of developmental change.
2. It is suggested that infant's temperamental characteristic, particularly, difficult temperament (irrgularity, withdrawal, low adaptibility, negative mood, high intensity) predict later behavioral problems and low adjustment. However, it is not temperament per se, but the interaction between the child and environment that develops behavior disorder. In this sense, behavioral problesm and low adjustment need to be considered in terms of a goodness of fit model.