Temperamental qualities at age three predict personality traits in young adulthood: longitudinal evidence from a birth cohort

Child Dev. 1995 Apr;66(2):486-98. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.1995.tb00885.x.

Abstract

In an unselected sample of over 800 subjects we studied whether behavioral styles at age 3 are linked to personality traits at age 18. We identified 5 temperament groups (labeled Undercontrolled, Inhibited, Confident, Reserved, and Well-adjusted) based on behavioral ratings made by examiners when the children were 3. These groups were reassessed at 18, and their personality styles were measured with the self-report Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Results pointed to continuities across time. As young adults, Undercontrolled children scored high on measures of impulsivity, danger seeking, aggression, and interpersonal alienation; Inhibited children scored low on measures of impulsivity, danger seeking, aggression, and social potency; Confident children scored high on impulsivity; Reserved children scored low on social potency; and Well-adjusted children continued to exhibit normative behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • New Zealand
  • Personality Assessment* / statistics & numerical data
  • Personality Development*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Behavior*
  • Temperament*