Modeling the prediction of elementary school adjustment from preschool temperament

Abstract

While there is a growing body of research demonstrating associations between temperament and behavior problems, there are few longitudinal studies of temperament rated in early childhood, and behavior problems and skills assessed during the elementary school years in which different sources of data are used. In this research, parental ratings of temperament at age 5 years were used to predict school performance problems, behavior problems and positive social behaviors as rated by teachers at age 8 years. Using Latent Variable Path Analysis With Partial Least Squares Estimation parent rated negative emotionality was found to be a substantial predictor of externalizing behavior problems, and a modest predictor of positive social behaviors (negative direction). Also, self-regulation of motor behavior and attention were found to be predictive of school performance problems, and positive social behavior. This study strengthens the empirical literature on the connection between temperament and behavior problems, particularly problems observed in school setting. It underscores the importance of parent rated negative emotionality as a potent predictor of later occurring behavior problems.