Definition and historical roots -- The structure of temperament -- The biology of temperament -- Infancy -- The self and structures of meaning -- Coping and culture -- Conscience and competence -- Stability and change from child to adult -- Problems and interventions in development -- Temperament, environment, and psychopathology -- Some final observations
Summary
This definitive work comprehensively examines the role of temperament in the development of personality and psychopathology. Preeminent researcher Mary Rothbart synthesizes current knowledge on temperament's basic dimensions; its interactions with biology, the social environment, and developmental processes; and influences on personality, behavior, and social adjustment across the lifespan. In a direct and readable style, Rothbart combines theory and research with everyday observations and clinical examples. She offers new insights on "difficult" children and reviews intervention programs that address temperamental factors in childhood problems