All of the following are styles of temperament identified by Thomas and Chess EXCEPT: a. anxious b. easy c. difficult d. slow-to-warm-up
Correct Answer: a. anxious
Explanation:
In their groundbreaking longitudinal research on child development, Alexander Thomas and Stella Chess identified three major temperament styles in infants, based on their natural behavioral tendencies. These temperament categories help explain how children react to their environment and how they regulate emotions and behavior from an early age. The three styles are:
- Easy temperament – Children with this temperament are generally in a positive mood, adapt easily to new situations, establish regular routines quickly, and are relatively easy to soothe. They are usually cheerful and open to new experiences.
- Difficult temperament – These children tend to have intense emotional reactions, are more easily upset, and struggle with changes in routine or unfamiliar situations. They may cry frequently and are less predictable in their daily patterns such as eating and sleeping.
- Slow-to-warm-up temperament – Children with this type are more cautious and hesitant in new situations. They may take longer to adapt to changes or unfamiliar people and environments, but they gradually become more comfortable with repeated exposure.
These categories were developed through extensive observations and parent interviews. Thomas and Chess emphasized that temperament is biologically based and present from infancy, but its expression can be influenced over time by environmental factors, including parenting style.
The term “anxious” is not one of the three original temperament styles defined by Thomas and Chess. While anxiety can be a feature or emotional outcome related to a child’s temperament, it is considered a psychological condition or emotional state rather than a fundamental temperament category. Anxiety is often studied in clinical psychology and may appear across different temperamental styles depending on life experiences and developmental context.
Therefore, among the choices listed, “anxious” is not a recognized temperament style by Thomas and Chess, making it the correct answer.
