Defining Temperament

Temperament is defined in many ways. McCall (Goldsmith et. al. 1997, p. 524) synthesized the definitions presented by many researchers into one: “temperament consists of relatively consistent, basic dispositions inherent in the personality that underlie and modulate the expression of activity, reactivity, emotionality and sociability.” For this exercise, we have defined temperament as “your child’s basic self.”

Temperament:

• Is how a person usually acts.
• Is made up of several different traits.
• Is neither good nor bad.
• Has nothing to do with temper.

The Traits of Temperament Are:

• Activity Level
• Sensitivity to Senses
• Awareness of Feelings
• Strength of Expression
• Persistence
• Distractibility
• Ability to Change
• Need for Physical Routine
• Usual Mood

What kind of child were you?

Compliant: Adjusts to routines, generally cheerful, and adapts easily to new experiences

Challenging: Irregular in daily routines, slow to accept new experiences, and reacts negatively and intensely

Slow-to-warm up: Inactive, mild, low-key reactions to things around them, negative in mood and adjusts slowly to new experiences