Temperament

Definition

Temperament refers to an individual's innate and biologically-based personality traits that are present from birth and shape their behavioral and emotional responses. It is considered a fundamental aspect of personality that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperament is believed to have a strong biological basis and is thought to be relatively stable across the lifespan.
2. Temperament influences an individual's emotional, attentional, and motor responses to their environment.
3. Temperament traits can be categorized into dimensions such as extraversion, negative affectivity, and effortful control.
4. Temperament interacts with environmental factors, such as parenting and social experiences, to shape overall personality development.
5. Differences in temperament have been linked to various outcomes, including academic performance, social adjustment, and risk for psychopathology.

Review Questions

• Explain how temperament is related to the concept of personality as discussed in the 11.1 What Is Personality? topic.
  • Temperament is considered a fundamental aspect of personality, as it refers to the innate and biologically-based traits that shape an individual's emotional, attentional, and behavioral responses from birth. Temperament is thought to be a key building block of personality, which is the unique combination of these traits, along with environmental and experiential factors, that define how a person interacts with their world. The 11.1 topic highlights how temperament is one of the key factors that contributes to the development and expression of an individual's overall personality.
• Describe how the concept of temperament relates to the biological approaches discussed in the 11.6 Biological Approaches topic.
  • The 11.6 Biological Approaches topic emphasizes the role of biological and genetic factors in shaping personality and behavior. Temperament, with its strong biological basis, is a key concept within this framework. Researchers have identified specific neurobiological systems and genetic factors that underlie temperamental traits, such as reactivity and emotional regulation. These biological factors are believed to influence an individual's temperament from a very early age, which then interacts with environmental experiences to shape overall personality development. Understanding the biological foundations of temperament is an important aspect of the biological approaches to personality discussed in this topic.
• Evaluate how the concept of 'goodness of fit' between an individual's temperament and their environment, as discussed in the 11.1 and 11.6 topics, can impact personality development and adjustment.
  • The concept of 'goodness of fit' between an individual's temperament and their environment is a crucial consideration in both the 11.1 and 11.6 topics. Temperament, with its biological underpinnings, shapes how a person responds to and interacts with their surroundings. When there is a good match between an individual's temperamental traits and the demands or characteristics of their environment, it can promote positive development and adjustment. However, a poor fit can lead to maladjustment and negative outcomes. For example, a highly reactive child placed in a highly stimulating environment may become overwhelmed, while a child with low reactivity in a very structured environment may become bored and understimulated. Understanding the importance of goodness of fit between temperament and environment is essential for understanding how biological and environmental factors work together to influence personality.

Related terms

Personality: Personality is the unique combination of emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral patterns that shape an individual's interactions with their environment and other people.

Goodness of Fit: The concept that an individual's temperament and the demands of their environment or situation should be well-matched in order to promote positive development and adjustment.

Reactivity: The intensity and speed with which an individual responds to new or stimulating situations, which is a core component of temperament.