9 dimensions of temperament Flashcards
what is temperament
an individuals behaviour style and characteristic way of emotionally responding
what study found the 9 dimensions
New York Longitudinal Study (Thomas and Chess 1960; 1977)
what are they
1) activity level
2) rhythmicity
3) approach-withdrawal
4) adaptability
5) intensity of reaction
6) threshold and responsiveness
7) quality of mood
8) distractibility
9) attention span
activity level
some babies are active and kick a lot, move a lot in cribs, run as toddlers, while others are less active
rhythmicity
some babies have regular cycles of activity: eat, sleep, defecate on schedule and others are unpredictable
approach-withdrawal
some babies delight in everything new, while others withdraw from everything new
ex: first spoonful of cereal eaten by some and spat out by others
adaptability
some babies adjust quickly to change, while others are unhappy if routine is disrupted
intensity of reaction
some babies chortle when they laugh, while others are calmer and respond with a smile
threshold and responsiveness
some babies sense every sense (sight, sound, touch), while others don’t
ex: some awaken at a slight noise, others unaware of loud noise and bright lights
quality of mood
some babies are always happy and smile at everything, while others are unhappy and ready to complain at any moment
distractibility
some babies fuss when hungry but if someone sings or gives pacifier they stop… others keep fussing until bed
attention span
some babies play happily with one toy for a long time, while others go from toy to toy
