Preschool Temperament as a Factor of Risk and Protection for Later Childhood Psychopathology

Abstract

BackgroundTemperament might be considered as a risk factor as well as a resilience factor for later externalizing and internalizing disorders. Therefore, this study examines different dimensions of temperament in preschool age with regard to their predictive value for psychopathology later in childhood.MethodsA total of 76 patients (63.2% male) were assessed in a special psychiatric consultation for preschool age at measuring point time t1 (x = 4.2) and measuring point time t2 (x = 9.2). At t1, the Integrative Child Temperament Inventory (ICTI) was used for assessment. At t2, parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire SDQ. Multiple regression analyses were used to test if the temperament factors of the ICTI predicted clinical abnormalities in the SDQ subscales or total difficulties score.ResultsSDQ total difficulties score as an indicator of total psychiatric disturbance in childhood appears to be good predicted by the temperament factor frustration/anger. Sensory sensitivity in preschoolers serves as a risk factor for later emotional symptoms, whereas high activity levels appear to prevent later emotional symptoms. Behavioral inhibition appears to protect against hyperactivity/inattention.ConclusionOur data suggests that preschool temperament contributes differently to the development of externalizing and internalizing problems in childhood. The temperament factor frustration/anger in preschool children might be a strong predictor of the general mental condition in childhood at nine years of age and can therefore be used as a target for prevention of psychopathology in children. On one hand, high sensory sensitivity can be a predictor to identify preschool children at risk for later emotional symptoms, on the other hand, activity level acts as a protective factor against later emotional symptoms. An increased level of behavioral inhibition might be protective against the development of hyperactivity/inattention symptoms. Overall, this study illustrates the complexity and ambiguity of temperament in child development.

Absence of Association between Child Temperament and Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…If child temperament is a risk factor for ECC, then education and other health professionals may play a role in identifying and referring preschool children to proper care services; thus, this highlights the importance of the involvement of paediatric primary carers with oral healthcare professionals in the prevention of ECC. When planning oral healthcare strategies for preschool children, it is recommended to consider psychological characteristics and the identification of personality traits which might serve as predictive behaviours during dental visits [ 37 , 38 ] and of later psychopathology [ 39 ].…”

Difficult Toddler Temperament – Prevalence and Associated Factors at 18-Month Follow-Up of a Birth Cohort

“…9 Studies have shown that parent-reported difficult temperament in infancy and toddlerhood is associated with greater psychopathology in childhood and adolescence, greater depression, lower wellbeing, and unemployment in adulthood. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Children with difficult temperaments often struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors, which can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. Over time, these interpersonal challenges can contribute to social withdrawal, loneliness, and even social rejection, which may persist into adulthood.…”

“…Over time, these interpersonal challenges can contribute to social withdrawal, loneliness, and even social rejection, which may persist into adulthood. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Furthermore, difficult temperament in childhood is associated with an increased risk of developing internalizing and externalizing problems such as anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder. These mental health difficulties can have long-term consequences for individuals' educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall well-being in adulthood.…”

Difficult toddler temperament – Prevalence and associated factors at 18-month follow-up of a birth cohort

“…Parental reports are often used to measure child temperament due to the unsuitability of self-report in young children and the costs and poor reliability of child observations (9). A parent reported di cult temperament in infancy and toddlerhood is associated with greater psychopathology in childhood and adolescence and greater depression, lower wellbeing, and unemployment in adulthood (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). Understanding the current prevalence of di cult temperament and associated risk factors is important for early identi cation and targeted interventions (10).…”