What are the basic dimensions of temperament? How does temperament influence children's relationships to their physical and social worlds—and their behavior and adjustment across the lifespan? What are its biological underpinnings? From preeminent researcher Mary Rothbart, this work comprehensively examines the role of temperament in the development of personality and psychopathology. In a direct and readable style, Rothbart combines theory and research with everyday observations and clinical examples. She offers new insights on “difficult” children and reviews intervention programs that address temperamental factors in childhood problems.

Winner—Eleanor Maccoby Book Award, American Psychological Association Division 7 (Developmental Psychology)