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A look at the early 'building blocks' of personality that are present from birth.
Have you ever wondered why some people stay calm during a loud thunderstorm while others jump at the slightest noise? The secret isn't just in what they've learned—it's in how they were born!
Temperament is the biological foundation of your personality. Think of it as the 'how' of behavior. While personality describes what you do (like playing soccer or reading), temperament describes how you do it. Are you intense and loud, or quiet and focused? These traits are present from birth and are influenced by your genetics. Researchers suggest that about of babies fit into the 'Easy' category, while others fall into different groups. It is like the 'raw materials' or the 'clay' that life experiences will eventually shape into a finished statue.
Quick Check
If a student is studying for a test, is their 'temperament' the fact that they are studying, or the way they react to the stress of the work?
Answer
The way they react to the stress (the 'how').
In the 1950s, psychologists Thomas and Chess discovered that most infants fall into three categories. Easy babies are generally happy, have regular eating/sleeping schedules, and adapt quickly to new situations. Difficult babies are more irregular in their schedules, react intensely to change, and cry more often. Finally, Slow-to-warm-up babies have a low activity level and react mildly to new things. They might be fussy at first when meeting someone new, but they eventually adjust if given enough time.
Let's look at how three different babies might react to a friendly new puppy: 1. Baby A (Easy): Smiles immediately and tries to pet the puppy. 2. Baby B (Difficult): Starts crying loudly because the puppy is unexpected and 'too much'. 3. Baby C (Slow-to-warm-up): Stares at the puppy from a distance for ten minutes, then slowly reaches out a hand.
Quick Check
Which temperament type describes a baby who is very fussy with new foods but eventually likes them after trying them five times?
Answer
Slow-to-warm-up.
Does your baby temperament disappear? Not exactly. It provides the stability of your personality. A 'difficult' infant who reacts strongly to noise might grow into an adult who is very passionate or highly sensitive to their environment. However, the environment plays a huge role through Goodness of Fit. This is the match between a child's temperament and their environment. If a high-energy child has a backyard to run in, they thrive. If that same child is forced to sit still in a tiny room all day, they might struggle. Your temperament is the 'blueprint,' but your life experiences build the house.
Consider a 'Slow-to-warm-up' student in two different classrooms: 1. Classroom A: The teacher calls on students randomly and demands instant answers. The student feels constant anxiety and performs poorly. 2. Classroom B: The teacher gives students 2 minutes to write down thoughts before sharing. The student feels safe and eventually becomes a class leader. Conclusion: The student's temperament didn't change, but the Goodness of Fit determined their success.
Which of the following best defines temperament?
A baby who has a very predictable sleep schedule and smiles at strangers likely has which temperament?
True or False: A person's environment can change how their temperament is expressed as they grow up.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain to a friend the difference between 'what' someone does and 'how' they do it using the word temperament.
Practice Activity
Observe a pet or a younger sibling. Do they seem to have an 'Easy', 'Difficult', or 'Slow-to-warm-up' style when they encounter something new?