Assessing the dominance behavioral system in early childhood using observational methods
Jennifer N Mullen1, Pan Liu1, Christina G McDonnell2
1Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Current Issues in Personality Psychology
|November 28, 2023
Summary
Dominance behavior in early childhood shows moderate stability and is linked to temperament. Boys tend to be more dominant than girls, with dominance negatively associated with behavioral inhibition and internalizing symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Behavioral genetics
- Childhood psychopathology
Background:
- The dominance behavioral system (DBS) influences motivation for power.
- Limited understanding of DBS development in early childhood.
- Need for research on DBS trait-like properties and predictive validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a behavioral coding system for dominance in early childhood.
- Investigate the early development of the dominance behavioral system.
- Examine the relationship between early dominance, temperament, and psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study using observational data from 58 children at ages 3 and 5-6.
- Developed a behavioral coding system for dominance.
- Assessed child temperament and psychopathology symptoms.
Main Results:
- Dominance showed moderate stability from age 3 to 5-6, comparable to other temperament traits.
- Boys exhibited higher dominance than girls.
- Dominance was negatively correlated with behavioral inhibition, effortful control, and internalizing symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The objective coding system provides initial support for assessing DBS facets in early childhood.
- Findings suggest the DBS is developmentally sensitive in early childhood.
- This coding system can aid future research on early DBS predicting later adjustment.
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