Thomas & Chess Developmental Temperament

Also known as: NYLS temperament · Thomas-Chess 9 dimensions · Behavioral style model

Nine dimensions of behavioral style identified in the New York Longitudinal Study: activity level, rhythmicity, approach/withdrawal, adaptability, threshold of responsiveness, intensity of reaction, quality of mood, distractibility, and attention span/persistence. These describe how a person behaves rather than what they do or why, and they were the first temperament dimensions shown to be observable from infancy and stable into adulthood. The model influenced every subsequent developmental temperament theory.

Source:

Thomas, A., & Chess, S. (1977). Temperament and Development. Brunner/Mazel.