Stability of laboratory-assessed temperamental emotionality traits from ages 3 to 7

A key component of temperament models is the presumed temporal stability of temperament traits. Although a substantial literature using parent report measures has addressed this claim, very few investigations have examined the stability of temperament using alternative measurement strategies, particularly those that involve direct assessment of emotional expressions. This study reports on the relative stability and heterotypic continuity of temperament traits measured via laboratory tasks and maternal report in a sample of children assessed at ages 3, 5, and 7, focusing on Positive Emotionality and Negative Emotionality. Relative stability of Positive Emotionality and Negative Emotionality traits ranged from moderate to high for laboratory and maternal report measures. Measures of emotional expressions exhibited levels of stability comparable to or higher than traits defined by other behavioral patterns (e.g., sociability and engagement).