Timely and authoritative, this unique handbook explores the breadth of current knowledge on temperament, from foundational theory and research to clinical applications. Leaders in the field examine basic temperament traits, assessment methods, and what brain imaging and molecular genetics reveal about temperament's biological underpinnings. The book considers the pivotal role of temperament in parent-child interactions, attachment, peer relationships, and the development of adolescent and adult personality and psychopathology. Innovative psychological and educational interventions that take temperament into account are reviewed. Integrative in scope, the volume features extensive cross-referencing among chapters and a forward-looking summary chapter.

About the Author

Marcel Zentner, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and Director of the Personality and Assessment Lab. He is Editor-in-Chief ofFrontiers in Personality and Social Psychology. His main areas of research are personality, temperament, emotion, test development, and music perception.

Rebecca L. Shiner, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Colgate University and Executive Officer of the Association for Research in Personality. Her research focuses on temperament and personality development in childhood and adolescence, with a particular interest in the pathways through which personality traits contribute to the development of personality disorders and other forms of psychopathology.

Reviews

"This landmark volume brings together a most distinguished group of scholars who provide a remarkably rich treatment of all aspects of temperament research, including biological, personality, developmental, clinical, and applied perspectives. The coverage is spectacular in its depth and breadth; the organization of the specific sections and chapters is clear and excellent. This book is a 'must read' for researchers and an ideal text for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in individual differences, temperament, or personality."--Grazyna Kochanska, PhD, Stuit Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Iowa

"Temperament is a central construct in the study of human individual differences, yet a volume providing complete, authoritative coverage of the field has been lacking. This exceptional handbook is a 'must have' for researchers, clinicians, educators, and students. The editors and contributors are a who's who of research in temperament, and the scope of the material is unprecedented, ranging from measurement, to biology, to how temperament plays out in everyday life. The book is well suited to advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in personality and individual differences; students are certain to benefit from its clarity and scope. This is required reading that will guide the field for years to come."--Robert F. Krueger, PhD, Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota

"Temperament is a critical concept for understanding almost every area of psychology, from how young children learn to regulate their emotions to what makes some people more susceptible to abusing alcohol. This handbook brings together top researchers on temperament to provide the most comprehensive and authoritative volume on the subject to date, spanning basic research as well as applied work. It is an excellent resource for both the researcher and the practicing clinician, and will serve as a valuable text for advanced courses in human development and developmental psychopathology."--Paul J. Frick, PhD, University Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans

"Nothing could be more vital than understanding how genetic variation and the physical and social environment interact to guide the development of a child. The Handbook of Temperament shows how this complex interaction shapes each individual's unique behavior. The volume traces both ancient roots and the most current knowledge in the field. This book is vital for psychologists, educators, and neuroscientists who seek to understand the intersection between biology, society, and the developing child."--Michael I. Posner, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon

"Covering a broad spectrum of concepts, methods, and applications involving social and biological aspects of temperament, this handbook goes beyond existing works that have a narrower focus. It really fills a gap in the literature on personality. I could see using this volume in a graduate course as a basis for student presentations on different aspects of temperament."--Petra Netter, PhD, MD, Professor Emerita of Psychology, University of Giessen, Germany

"This is a terrific volume! A stellar group of scholars provide informed reviews of the history of the field of temperament; relevant theory, measurement issues, research findings, and interventions; and other applied issues. Because temperament is such a broad domain of study, the book will be extremely useful to anyone interested in socioemotional development, executive functioning, personality, and their biological and environmental underpinnings. This handbook will be a valued resource for graduate students and graduate classes, research scientists, and people with applied interests alike."--Nancy Eisenberg, PhD, Regents' Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University

Book Information
ISBN 9781462524990
Author Marcel Zentner
Format Paperback
Page Count 750
Imprint Guilford Press
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 1230g