Behavioral approach-inhibition in toddlers: prediction from infancy, positive and negative affective components, and relations with behavior problems

Child Dev. 2005 Jan-Feb;76(1):212-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2005.00840.x.

Abstract

In this study, 126 children were observed at 6 months, 12 months, and 2 years. During infancy, latencies to reach for novel objects were measured. At 2 years, positive and negative affect, and behavioral approach-inhibition to low- and high-intensity situations were coded, and mothers assessed behavior problems. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a 3-dimension model of positivity, negativity, and behavioral approach-inhibition. Positivity was related to low- and high-intensity behavioral approach-inhibition, whereas negativity was linked only to low-intensity behavioral approach-inhibition. Shorter 12-month latencies to reach were predictive of low negativity, high positivity, and behavioral approach at 2 years. Positivity and negativity were correlated with externalizing and internalizing behaviors, respectively. Finally, cluster analysis identified an exuberant group high in externalizing and an inhibited group high in internalizing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Inhibition, Psychological*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers
  • Observer Variation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors