This definitive work comprehensively examines the role of temperament in the development of personality and psychopathology. Preeminent researcher Mary Rothbart synthesizes current knowledge on temperament's basic dimensions; its interactions with biology, the social environment, and developmental processes; and influences on personality, behavior, and social adjustment across the lifespan. 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.

This book will be invaluable to developmental psychologists; personality/social psychologists; child clinical psychologists and other mental health practitioners. It will also serve as a text in graduate-level courses
Reviews

"While one of the oldest-studied topics in psychology, temperament remains one of its toughest nuts to crack. Rothbart leads the reader along a compelling personal and scientific journey during which the many factors that combine to make us unique individuals – biological, social, and developmental – are carefully assessed and elucidated. Rothbart's writing style is clear and engaging. This book not only reflects the current state of the field, but also, I suspect, will shape its future." - Mark H. Johnson, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK

"This outstanding book from the foremost world expert on temperament offers a creative and authoritative synthesis. A broad range of interrelated topics are addressed, including the development and structure of temperament and personality; connections to competence, conscience, and psychopathology; meaning structures; biological and environmental contributions to temperament; and interventions. Rothbart clarifies the multiple levels of factors that contribute to the course of human development. There is something for all developmental scientistudents in this accessible and well-written book." - Nancy Eisenberg, Arizona State University, USA

"Rothbart's ideas and findings have become crucial for understanding temperament. In this powerful and engaging book, Rothbart not only explains basic and advanced concepts of temperament, but also beautifully shows how a temperament framework can enrich understanding of social development more generally. The book is unusually full of both information and wisdom." - John E. Bates, Indiana University, USA

''Rothbart has been at the forefront of the scientific study of temperament for over four decades… This book is well organized, and Rothbart has an engaging writing style. This is never more evident than when she uses case examples such as her observations of her own sons to illustrate the differences in temperament in our development and its key to revealing how we become the individuals we are; and her position serves to both educate and be provocative. If you ar...