Understanding Temperament and Its Foundations

Temperament is defined by three main characteristics: early appearance, biological bases, and relative stability over time. It manifests in individual differences observable in infants, often shaping personality as children develop. For instance, temperamental traits can influence reactions to new social situations, distinguishing those who are reflexively positive or negative in their responses. This biological foundation means that while temperament can evolve due to environmental factors, it has inherent limits in how much it can change.