NCJ Number
136090
Date Published
1992
Length
38 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the findings of predictive studies that relate childhood behaviors to subsequent adult behaviors with a focus on Cloninger's theory, this chapter presents the methodology and findings of a study that tested Cloninger's theory.
Abstract
Cloninger's personality theory (1986) identifies three personality dimensions that stem from biological neuromodulators and issue in typical behaviors in children. Harm avoidance, which is associated with the neuromodulator serotonine issues in cautious, apprehensive, inhibited behavior for those with high harm avoidance and fearless, carefree, uninhibited behaviors for those with low harm avoidance. Novelty seeking, which is related to the neuromodulator dopamine, produces impulsive, exploratory, excitable behaviors for those high in novelty seeking and reflective, rigid, and stoic behavior for those with low novelty seeking. Reward dependence, which is related to the neuromodulator norepinephrine, yields warm, sentimental, and persistent behaviors in those with high reward dependence and a tough-minded, detached, emotionally cool behavior for those with low reward dependence. This theory was tested in 1984 in kindergarten classrooms in schools of low socioeconomic areas of Montreal. The subjects' kindergarten behavior was rated by teachers with the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire and the Prosocial Behavior Questionnaire. From these ratings, items were selected to measure harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and reward dependence. Results indicate that the three behavioral dimensions underlying Cloninger's personality system are needed to explain antisocial behavior in children. 6 tables, 2 notes, and 109 references