Exploring The Influence Of Temperament On Personality Development

Children’s developmental psychology can be a multifaceted topic, including many factors that may be relevant to parents. Two of these factors can include personality and temperament. As a general rule, temperament makes up part of an individual’s personality, but many other factors can also play a role. Some personalities and temperaments may be easier to manage and connect with than others. For help navigating parenting challenges related to temperament and personality, consider connecting with a licensed therapist in your local area or through an online therapy platform.

What is child temperament?

“Temperament” is a term you may have heard used in the context of early childhood development. The American Psychological Association defines temperament as “the basic foundation of personality, usually assumed to be biologically determined and present early in life.” 

In essence, temperament refers to the inborn traits and inherent characteristics that may form the basis of someone’s personality. While updated research may be needed, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an estimated 20% to 60% of temperament may be influenced by genetics, with environmental factors during early childhood also playing a potential role. 

How do we explain temperament?

A variety of models have been proposed for categorizing temperament. These models usually attempt to explain the different temperament dimensions that may exist, such as negative or positive emotionality, reactivity, and other emotional responses. While temperament research tends to be evolving, these frameworks may provide a useful lens for looking at child and infant behavior. 

Two popular models for understanding a child’s temperament may be the Rothbart model and the Chess and Thomas model. Pioneered by psychologist Mary K. Rothbart, the Rothbart model typically divides temperament into three dimensions:

• Negative affect, which may include traits like fear, anger, shyness, or frustration
• Surgency/extraversion, which refers to a child’s impulsiveness and sensation-seeking tendencies
• Effortful control, referring to a child’s ability to plan and focus their attention
  

The Chess and Thomas model was created by psychiatrists Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas. This framework generally evaluates temperament in the context of nine characteristics:

• Sensitivity, describing a child’s level of sensitivity to physical sensations and stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises
• Distractibility, which may describe how easy it is to distract a child from what they’re currently focused on
• Adaptability, which can refer to the amount of time it takes a child to adjust to change
• Mood, which may describe a child’s general outlook and views on the world and other people
• Persistence, referring to a child’s ability to stay with a task despite challenges 
• Activity level, describing a child’s level of physical activity and energy
• Emotional intensity, which may refer to how intensely a child reacts to events and situations
• Initial reaction, describing a child’s response to new people or places (e.g., withdrawing from new situations versus embracing them)
• Regularity, which typically refers to the predictability of a child’s biological functions (for example, eating or sleeping at the same time every day versus at less regular times)

In general, there is no single official model for viewing the different aspects of a child’s temperament. Still, the above frameworks may be useful for parents interested in understanding their child’s traits. 

The influence of temperament on personality development

Parents may find themselves wondering about the extent to which infant, adolescent, or preschool temperament may contribute to their children’s personalities. 

Although the terms “temperament” and “personality” are sometimes used interchangeably, it may be worth noting that temperament can be different from personality. While temperament usually influences a person's behaviors and ways of interacting with the world, personality may be considered broader, encompassing factors like thought patterns, beliefs, past experiences, and values. 

Another difference between temperament and personality may be the extent to which they can change. While infant temperament may remain fixed, personality can be more fluid. It might evolve and shift over time as a person develops and has additional life experiences. 

It may be helpful to consider temperament as one feature under the larger umbrella of personality. A person’s temperament may influence the development of their personality, but it is usually just one of many possible contributing factors. Others may include their environment, childhood experiences, and other social influences. 

Finding support through therapy

Whether you are experiencing challenges related to your child’s temperament or personality or simply looking for support in managing the parenting process, therapy may be a resource worth considering. A licensed therapist can provide a listening ear during stressful times, advice for managing challenges in a healthy way, and possible strategies for promoting your own mental health. 

Benefits of online therapy

Commuting to a therapist’s office for in-person sessions may not always be practical. It may be especially challenging for parents who are juggling busy schedules and conflicting responsibilities. In these situations, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be a worthwhile alternative. With remote therapy, you can schedule appointments day or night and speak to a therapist from wherever it is most convenient.

Effectiveness of online therapy

The effectiveness of online therapy has been demonstrated in a variety of studies. One study from 2017 found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could be a useful treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and even chronic pain. CBT is frequently used to help individuals with a wide variety of mental health challenges, including those that can result from parenting difficulties.