Becoming Who We Are

Book excerpt: 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