2.1.5 Temperament

Individual Temperamental Differences and their Impact on Parent-Child Relationships

Individual temperamental differences can have a significant impact on parent-child relationships. Temperament refers to a person’s innate characteristics and tendencies, such as activity level, mood, and reactivity to stimuli.

For example, a child with a high activity level and a short attention span may require a different parenting approach than a child with a more laid-back temperament. A parent with a more easygoing temperament may have an easier time adjusting to a child with a high energy level, while a parent with a more high-strung temperament may find it more challenging. Similarly, a child with a more sensitive temperament may be more easily upset or affected by their environment, while a child with a more resilient temperament may be less affected. A parent who is more sensitive to the child’s needs may be better suited to raising a sensitive child than a parent who is less attuned to the child’s emotions.

Additionally, a child with a high emotional reactivity may have a harder time regulating their emotions, while a child with a lower emotional reactivity may be more able to remain calm in stressful situations. These differences in temperament can lead to difficulties in parenting if parents do not understand the child’s needs, for example, parents with high emotional reactivity may have a hard time managing the child’s emotions.

Parents with different temperaments may respond differently to their child’s behaviour. For instance, a parent with a more easygoing temperament may be more likely to overlook or forgive a child’s misbehaviour, while a parent with a more strict temperament may be more likely to discipline the child. It’s important to note that these are just examples and that each child and parent is unique and may have different temperaments and personalities. Understanding and being aware of ones own and the child’s temperament can help in developing parenting strategies that work best for the specific relationship.

In summary, individual temperamental differences can have a big impact on parent-child relationships. Parents who understand their child’s temperament and adapt their parenting style accordingly can help foster positive and healthy relationships (Overbeek, 2007).

Origins, Typologies and Stability of Temperament and the Evolution of Character and Personality

The origins of temperament can be traced back to early theories in psychology and psychiatry, such as the concept of the “four humors” in ancient Greek medicine. These early theories proposed that an individual’s temperament was determined by the balance of four bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. In more recent times, temperament has been studied extensively in the field of developmental psychology, with many different typologies proposed. One of the most widely accepted typologies is that of Thomas and Chess, who identified three broad temperament categories: easy, difficult, and slow-to-warm-up.

Easy children are generally regular in their habits, adaptable, and approach new situations with enthusiasm. Difficult children are highly active and intense, have irregular habits, and tend to be irritable and negative. Slow-to-warm-up children are less active and more reserved and take longer to adjust to new situations.

Research has suggested that temperament is relatively stable over time, with individual differences in temperament remaining relatively consistent from infancy through adulthood. However, it’s important to note that, while temperament provides a foundation for personality development, it does not determine it. Character and personality are shaped by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and life experiences.

Some theories propose that character and personality are the product of an evolutionary process, shaped by natural selection to adapt to different environments and social contexts. For example, people with certain temperaments may have been more likely to survive and reproduce in certain environments, leading to the development of certain personality traits.

Overall, temperament and personality are complex and multi-faceted concepts that are influenced by a variety of factors. While temperament provides a foundation for personality development, it does not determine it, and character and personality continue to evolve throughout an individual’s lifetime (Thomas, 1977).

Childhood Vulnerability and Resilience with Respect to Mental Health

Childhood vulnerability and resilience are important factors that can impact mental health outcomes. Vulnerability refers to a child’s susceptibility to negative life events and experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or poverty, which can increase the risk of developing mental health problems. Resilience, on the other hand, refers to a child’s ability to cope with and recover from adverse experiences.

Children who are considered vulnerable may have a number of risk factors, such as a history of abuse, neglect, or poverty, which can increase their susceptibility to mental health problems. They may also have a genetic predisposition to certain mental health conditions, or a lack of protective factors, such as a supportive family or positive social connections. On the other hand, children who are considered resilient may have a number of protective factors that can help them cope with and recover from adverse experiences. These can include a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem, positive relationships with family and friends, and effective coping skills.

Research has shown that a combination of vulnerability and resilience factors can affect mental health outcomes for children. For example, a child who has experienced abuse but also has a supportive family and positive social connections may be more likely to recover from the experience than a child who has experienced the same abuse but has no protective factors.

It’s important to note that, while some children may be more vulnerable to mental health problems, resilience can be developed and strengthened through various interventions such as family and individual therapy, educational support and a safe and stable environment.

Overall, childhood vulnerability and resilience are important factors that can affect mental health outcomes for children. Understanding the interplay between these factors can help in developing effective interventions to support the mental health of vulnerable children and promote resilience (Valle, 2005).

References:

(1) Overbeek, G., Stattin, H., Vermulst, A., Ha, T. and Engels, R.C.M.E. (2007). Parent-child relationships, partner relationships, and emotional adjustment: A birth-to-maturity prospective study. Developmental Psychology, [online] 43(2), pp.429–437. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.43.2.429.

(2) Thomas, A., Chess, S., & Birch, H. G. (1977). Temperament and development. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

‌(3) Valle, L. A., Holden, G. W., & Wolf, D. (2005). Resilience in children exposed to family violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20(2), 195-209.