The application of temperament questionnaires to a British sample: issues of reliability and validity

One hundred and five mothers of British children aged 1-5 years completed the EASI-1 Temperament Survey and the age appropriate version of the Carey questionnaire (Toddler Temperament Scale or Behavioural Style Questionnaire). Detailed statistical analyses revealed psychometric weakness in all three instruments, most notably in the Carey questionnaires. Neither factor analysis nor item-to-scale correlations provided clear support for the nine NYLS dimensions incorporated within the TTS and BSQ. Mothers' opinions of their child's temperament constellation differed considerably from those resulting from the questionnaire analysis for the STWU and Difficult constellations. Issues of reliability and validity are discussed.