The Australian Temperament Project: The First 30 Years

Abstract

(BA(Hons), DEdPsych, MAPS) is an educational and developmental psychologist specialising in the interface between education and healthy development over the life course, with an emphasis on practice-and policy-relevant research. Her doctoral research used ATP data to explore pathways to positive development and the relationship between healthy functioning and mental health problems during the transition to adulthood.

Consequences of childhood reading difficulties and behaviour problems for educational achievement and employment in early adulthood

“…The ATP is a longitudinal, life‐course community study following the psychosocial development of children born in the State of Victoria, Australia, between September 1982 and January 1983 (for more details, see Prior, Sanson, Smart, & Oberklaid, ; Vassallo & Sanson, ). A wide range of domains have been assessed, including child, family, peer, and school functioning.…”

The controlled direct effect of temperament at 2-3 years on cognitive and academic outcomes at 6-7 years

“…Temperament is the individual characteristics in behavioral styles that are biologically-based, but also shaped by experiences and environment [3]. Three aspects of temperament thought to impact learning and cognition are reactivity, persistence and approach [4]. Reactivity encompasses a child’s emotional intensity and volatility [4], and may interfere with the child’s learning processes [1, 5].…”

“…Three aspects of temperament thought to impact learning and cognition are reactivity, persistence and approach [4]. Reactivity encompasses a child’s emotional intensity and volatility [4], and may interfere with the child’s learning processes [1, 5]. For example, a highly reactive child may become easily frustrated and find it difficult to learn [6].…”

“…For example, a highly reactive child may become easily frustrated and find it difficult to learn [6]. Children with high persistence are more likely to stay on task and maintain their attention despite distractions [4], which has benefits for learning [7]. Temperamental approach is the degree of comfort experienced when encountering new situations or people [4].…”

“…Children with high persistence are more likely to stay on task and maintain their attention despite distractions [4], which has benefits for learning [7]. Temperamental approach is the degree of comfort experienced when encountering new situations or people [4]. Low approach may present challenges for young children in the transition to school as they are faced with many new situations, teachers and peers [8].…”