Clinical applications of infant temperament measurements

Clinical experience with 200 infants, whose temperaments have been determined by a questionnaire method, shows correlations between certain categories of temperament and colic, development, injuries, and very active and very persistent babies talked more at one year.

Abstract

Clinical experience with 200 infants, whose temperaments have been determined by a questionnaire method, shows correlations between certain categories of temperament and (1) colic—more difficult temperament and/or low sensory threshold, (2) development—very active babies walked more and very persistent ones talked more at one year, and (3) injuries—difficult babies had more lacerations requiring sutures. Clinical management of these infants has been facilitated by these measurements. They provide a picture of the infant that is often less biased than the mother's general description. Clinical experience with 200 infants, whose temperaments have been determined by a questionnaire method, shows correlations between certain categories of temperament and (1) colic—more difficult temperament and/or low sensory threshold, (2) development—very active babies walked more and very persistent ones talked more at one year, and (3) injuries—difficult babies had more lacerations requiring sutures. Clinical management of these infants has been facilitated by these measurements. They provide a picture of the infant that is often less biased than the mother's general description.