Temperament and Personality

Childhood temperament is typically viewed as genetic predispositions related to emotional responses and control of those emotions, and adult personality is thought of as general patterns in how individuals think, feel, and behave. Both temperament and personality are considered to be stable, consistent, and enduring characteristics with genetic underpinnings; thus, both have the potential for lasting effects across the life span. Research in both areas has a long history, often focused on identifying the core structures of either temperament or personality that can help us to better understand why individuals, from infancy through adulthood, act the way they do. Early temperament characteristics are often viewed as [Page 2225]components of adult personality. This entry discusses the basic components of each and how they may be related ...