Longitudinal relationships between habituation and temperament in infancy

The long-term predictive validity of several measures of infant habituation and later aspects of temperament were examined. Both habituation rate (trials to criterion) and number of peak fixations were significantly associated with five of nine temperament dimensions. As well, total looking time was related to several of the same temperament dimensions. Babies who habituated sooner (fewer trials to criterion) at 5 months of age and had fewer peak fixations during habituation were generally rated by their mothers as more active, more intense, and more negative in mood, and being less persistent and less adaptable at 13 and 20 months of age. In addition, age differences were found in temperament measures: Compared to ratings at 13 months, 20-month-olds were less active, more adaptable, and more persistent. Older infants also were more sensitive to environmental fluctuations and displayed more positive responsivity to new stimuli.