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Published on: February 25, 2016
Temperament differences between institution- and family-reared toddlers
O Kochukhova1, A A Mikhailova2, Ju O Dyagileva2
1Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Box 1225, 75142, Uppsala, Sweden.
Institution-reared toddlers showed lower Surgency and higher Negative affectivity compared to family-reared toddlers. These temperamental differences, particularly in Surgency and Negative affectivity, suggest distinct developmental trajectories in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Temperament Studies
Background:
- Childhood institutionalization can impact socio-emotional development.
- Temperament is a foundational aspect of personality, observable from early infancy.
- Understanding early environmental influences on temperament is crucial for predicting long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare temperamental properties between institution-reared (IR) and family-reared (FR) toddlers.
- To investigate the influence of age and institutional duration on temperament in IR toddlers.
- To examine developmental patterns of Surgency, Negative Affectivity, and Effortful Control.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of toddlers aged 17-37 months in Simferopol, Crimea.
- Assessment of temperamental properties: Surgency/extraversion, Negative affectivity, and Effortful control.
- Analysis of the relationship between institutional rearing, age, duration of stay, and temperamental scores.
Main Results:
- IR toddlers exhibited significantly lower Surgency and higher Negative Affectivity than FR toddlers.
- In IR toddlers, Surgency scores increased with age, unlike in FR toddlers.
- Higher Negative Affectivity in IR children correlated with longer institutional stays; no differences in Effortful Control were found.
Conclusions:
- Institutional rearing is associated with distinct developmental patterns in Surgency and Negative Affectivity.
- Early environmental factors in institutional settings may shape temperamental expressions.
- Findings suggest potential implications for personality development trajectories in institutionalized children.
Related Concept Videos
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Attachment
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Naturalistic Observations

