Temperamental Origins of Child and Adolescent Behavior Problems: From Age Three to Age Fifteen

Abstract

Temperament measures were drawn from behavior ratings made by examiners who observed 432–503 boys and 394–472 girls at ages 3, 5, 7, and 9 yrs. Factor analyses revealed 3 dimensions at each age: Lack of Control, Approach, and Sluggishness. Temperament dimensions at ages 3 and 5 yrs were correlated in theoretically coherent ways with behavior problems that were independently evaluated by parents and teachers at ages 9 and 11 yrs and by parents at ages 13 and 15 yrs. Lack of Control was more strongly associated with later externalizing behavior problems than with internalizing problems. Approach was associated with fewer internalizing problems among boys. Sluggishness was weakly associated with both anxiety and inattention, especially among girls. Lack of Control and Sluggishness were also associated with fewer adolescent competencies. Results suggest that early temperament may have predictive specificity for the development of psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)