Temperamental Qualities at Age Three Predict Personality Traits in Young Adulthood: Longitudinal Evidence from a Birth Cohort

Abstract

Examined whether behavioral styles at 3 yrs of age are linked to personality traits at 18 yrs of age in a longitudinal study of 1,037 New Zealand adolescents. Five temperament groups (undercontrolled, inhibited, confident, reserved, and well-adjusted) were identified based on behavioral ratings made when Ss were 3 yrs old. These groups were reassessed at age 18 yrs, and their personality styles were measured with the self-report Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Undercontrolled Ss (n = 106) scored high on measures of impulsivity, danger seeking, aggression, and interpersonal alienation. Inhibited Ss (n = 80) scored low on measures of impulsivity, danger seeking, aggression, and social potency. Confident Ss (n = 281) scored high on impulsivity, reserved Ss (n = 151) scored low on social potency, and well-adjusted Ss (n = 405) continued to exhibit normative behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)