Relationships between temperament and development in preschool children

In this study the relationship between temperament and development in preschool children was determined. Thirty-one children, age 3 and 4 years old, were selected from day-care centers. The child's temperament was measured with the Behavioral Style Questionnaire. Cognitive-verbal and motor development were assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Goodenough Draw-a-Person Test, and the developmental subtests of the Comprehensive Identification Process. Significant correlations (p less than .05) using the Pearson product moment were found between development and six categories of reactivity for temperament: activity, rhythmicity, approach, adaptability, mood, and persistence. All significant correlation coefficients showed an inverse relationship between temperament and developmental scores. This suggests that children who are mildly active, rhythmic, adaptable, persistent, approachable, and have a positive mood attain a more advanced developmental level during their preschool years.