The Structural and Rank-Order Stability of Temperament in Young Children Based on a Laboratory-Observational Measure

It is generally assumed that temperament traits exhibit structural and rank-order stability over time, Most of the research on structural and rank-017,1er stability has relied on parent-report measures. The present study used an alternative approach, a laboratory-observational measure (Laboratory 'remperament Assessment Battery [Lab TAB]). to examine the structural and rank order stability of temperament traits in a community sample of young children (N = 447). Using stnictural equation modeling (SEM), we found that a similar 5-factor structure consisting of the dimensions of positive affect (PM/interest, sociability, dysphoria, 'fear/inhibition, and impulsivity VerSUS constraint provided an adequate fit to the data at both age 3 and 6 years, suggesting good structural stability. Moreover, all 5 latent 'factors exhibited significant, albeit modest, rank order stability from age 3 to 6. In addition, there were significant hoterotypic associations of age-3 sociability With age-6 PiVinterest, and age-3 impulsivity versus constraint with age-6 fear/inhibition.