Temperamentstable

Temperamentstable is a term used in temperament research to describe the degree to which temperament traits remain consistent across time and situations. The concept encompasses both rank-order stability, where individuals maintain their relative position within a population over time, and mean-level stability, where average trait levels may change as a group due to maturation or experience.

Measurement relies on longitudinal designs and standardized instruments such as the Infant Behavior Questionnaire, the Child Behavior Questionnaire, and other temperament scales. Reliability issues include informant biases and the ongoing challenge of distinguishing temperament from evolving personality and life experiences.

Empirical findings suggest modest to moderate stability in early childhood, with higher stability as children reach school age, particularly for negative emotionality and surgent/positive affect, while effortful control shows increasing stability with age. Across adolescence and adulthood, temperament stability tends to rise further, though substantial plasticity remains.

Factors that influence temperamental stability include genetics, prenatal factors, parenting practices, and environmental consistency. The measurement context, informant changes, and the developmental stage can produce apparent changes in temperament.

Applications of the concept include tracking developmental trajectories, identifying individuals at risk for mood or behavior problems, and informing parenting or educational interventions. Critics note that focusing on stability may underplay environmental and situational influences and that temperament is frequently intertwined with emerging personality.

See also: temperament; personality stability; longitudinal studies in psychology.