Exploring Person-Centered Techniques: A Scoping Review of Temperament Subtypes in Infancy Through Childhood

There is an accumulating literature base applying person-centered analytic techniques to examinations of temperament, but existing literature varies in the developmental period assessed, type of person-centered analysis conducted, and type of assessment method that is used. This scoping review aims to clarify what common subtypes are revealed from such techniques within infancy and early childhood and focuses on sources of variation in subtypes based on abovementioned factors. Observations from our review identify common temperamental themes across developmental periods, as well as specific traits that differentiate subtypes. Further, stability of subtypes across development is discussed, and key features of theory and analytic approaches are identified as potential differentiating factors. Observations elucidate what person-centered techniques reveal about similar and dissimilar themes of temperament across infancy and early childhood.