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Patterns of temperament variation in three groups of developmentally delayed preschool children: mother and father

S Marcovitch, S Goldberg, D L MacGregor

    Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
    |August 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Developmentally delayed preschoolers exhibit distinct temperament patterns, including being more approaching and less persistent than typically developing peers. Parental reports reveal differences in temperament dimensions among subgroups and between mothers and fathers.

    Area of Science:

    • Developmental Psychology
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Child Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Temperament variations in preschool-aged children with developmental delays are under-researched.
    • Understanding these variations is crucial for tailored clinical interventions and parental support.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate and report on temperament data for preschool children with developmental delays.
    • To compare temperament patterns across different etiological subgroups (Down's syndrome, neurological problems, unknown etiology).

    Main Methods:

    • Temperament data collected from mothers and fathers of 96 children aged 2 to 4.5 years.
    • Participants included 32 with Down's syndrome, 29 with neurological problems, and 35 with unknown developmental delays.
    • Comparison with a normative sample was implied.

    Main Results:

    • The total sample of delayed children showed higher approach, lower intensity, lower persistence, and higher stimulation thresholds compared to normative samples.
    • Significant differences in activity level, approach/withdrawal, and distractibility were observed among the three etiological subgroups.
    • Mothers consistently rated their children as more difficult on these dimensions than fathers did.

    Conclusions:

    • Establishes the need for specific normative data for subgroups of developmentally delayed children.
    • Highlights the utility of incorporating temperament assessments into the clinical care of delayed children and their families.
    • Suggests potential gender-based reporting differences in perceived child temperament.

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