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Behavior Problem Or Normal Temperament

Behavior Problem or Normal Temperament Assignment
1. Stella Chess and Alex Thomas formulated the concept of temperament. There are four major areas that define the scope of temperament. They are listed as follows: 1. Temperament is the stable pattern of activity and responsiveness it is also the foundation of personality. 2. Temperamental characteristics influence all aspects of development and behavior. 3. Certain clusters of temperamental characteristics are associated with an increased likelihood of behavioral concerns, discipline problems, and adjustment difficulties at particular points in development. 4. Lack of fit or a mismatch of temperamental characteristics is often the source of difficulties for a parent or other child care provider.
2. Thomas and Chess conceptualization of temperament (initially termed primary reaction patterns) is an alternate to what they saw as limitations of behavioral theory (behavior as a function of environmental contingencies) and psychoanalytic theory (behavior motivated by a desire to obtain pleasure and avoid pain. There are nine dimensions Thomas and Chess classified to explain temperament:
1. Activity level- how active the infant is while playing, eating, bathing, etc.
2. Rhythmicity- how predictable and regular the infants schedule pertaining to feeding, sleeping, elimination, etc.
3. Approach or Withdrawal- how positive or negative is the infant’s first response when presented with a new person, toy, or stimulation.
4. Adaptability- how well does the infant adapt to change when confronted with a new situation?
5. Threshold of Response- to what intensity level of stimulation is needed to actually cause a change in behavior.
6. Intensity of Reaction- how intense is the infant’s response.
7. Quality of Mood- how much joy and friendliness is in the infant’s response. What is the amount of pleasant or unpleasant response?
8. Distractibility- to what degree is the infant distracted by environmental stimuli.
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