Culture and Developmental Processes Lecture 3

Culture and temperament The characteristics we are born with (temperament) determine to some extent how our caregivers react and interact with us, initiating the lifelong process of socialisation.

Traditional knowledge on temperament Parents normally are able to distinguish their babies according to their temperament. Three types children based on temperament (Thomas and Chess, 1977): Easy child Slow to warm-up child Difficult child

Easy child Regular pattern of behaviour Mildly intense style of positive behaviour Responsive

Slow-to-warm up child Need more time to accomplish a task Slow in activities Need more time to accomplish a task May respond negatively, but if given support, time they will adapt better

Difficult child Irregular pattern of behaviour Intense, e.g.crying Withdrawing style marked by negative moods

Goodness of fit The way parents react toward their children’s temperament affects personality development of their children

Cross-cultural studies on temperament Temperament may interact with environment. Freedman (1974) found Chinese American babies were calmer and more placid than European American babies or African babies. Kagan, et al 1994 – Chinese infants were less active, less irritable, and less vocal than American and Irish infants

Cross-cultural studies on temperament Caudill (1988) – Japanese children cried less, vocalised less, less active in Anglo infants. Cross-cultural research on Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)- Peruvian babies raised in high altitude (Andes) were less attentive, less responsive, less active, and difficult time quieting themselves, than those in low altitude (Lima).

Cross-cultural studies on temperament Temperament and learning culture – Interaction of parents’ responses to children may explain the children temperament. E.g. in Native American, such as Navajo babies spend time in cradle boards – emotional restraining.

Cross-cultural studies on temperament Temperament of a child in may be adaptive in one culture and maladaptive in another culture. Difficult temperament may be a protective factor in some community.

Culture and Attachment Attachment refers to the special bond between infant and is primary caregiver. Attachment provides a child with emotional security