The stability of temperament by child and mother reports over two years

The stability of temperament dimensions in children, adolescents, and young adults was examined over a 2-year period through the use of multiple informants and a measure of temperament, presumably applicable to informants of all ages. The study is based on 220 children from 91 families at high- and low-risk for major depression by virtue of the presence or absence of major depression in their parents. The Dimensions of Temperament Survey was completed independently by the child and by the parents about their child. Results showed a fair to moderate stability for child self-report of temperament and moderate to good stability for mother reports of child temperament. Discussion focuses on factors that may influence the stability of temperament ratings such as age, sex, mother's depression, socialization pressures, and expectations of temperament held by others.