The construction of a questionnaire to assess ''infant temperament'' by parental jugdement

Author(s): RiesHahn, A., Kupfer, J., Beckmann, D.

Journal/Book: Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsyc. 1999; 48: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 231-246.

Abstract: Questionnaires for parents represent an economical method to assess aspects of infant temperament. Rothbart's ''lnfant Behavior Questionnaire'' (1BQ) constitutes an instrument with satisfactory psychometric properties that ist widely used and well accepted in the English-speaking world. Based on the 1BQ we created a German itempool to assess five dimensions of temperament. Item and scale statistics for the age group of 3 to 4 months old infants were determined. We wanted to elicit whether aspects of personality, altitudes, and social characteristics of the parent who assesses his or her child are associated with the temperament scales .242 mothers of healthy 3-4 months olds filled in the questionnaire. We found very satisfactory reliability estimates for the five temperament scales. The scales turned out to be independent of each other. In line with results reported in the literature we found small but statistically significant correlations for some of the scales with maternal depression and anxiety. The possible underlying processes are discussed.

Note: Article Pauli-Pott U, Univ Giessen, Zentrum Psychosomat Med, Med Psychol Abt, Friedrichstr 36, D-35392 Giessen, GERMANY

Keyword(s): MOTHERS PERCEPTIONS; PRETERM INFANTS; PERSONALITY; BEHAVIOR; TODDLERS; CHILD; DIFFICULTNESS; ATTACHMENT; RATINGS

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The construction of a questionnaire to assess ''infant temperament'' by parental jugdement - Results for 3-4 months old infants