Standardized observation of temperament in Lebanese toddlers using the laboratory temperament assessment battery (Lab-TAB)

Abstract

Abstract Background Temperament is the difference between individuals’ emotional and behavioral responses to diverse external events. It is a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Hence, the need to assess temperament objectively and better understand its impact on developmental and interpersonal outcomes. Measuring temperament in early childhood can be challenging since parents will report their subjective perceptions about their toddlers. While surveys are quick instruments that require less clinical involvement, standardized laboratory assessments secure a relatively high level of objective observation. Since no published studies were conducted in Arab countries, the current research focuses on examining temperament in a sample of twenty mother-toddler dyads using the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB) locomotor version. Interrater reliability and validity were assessed. Higher-order temperament components were determined by principal component analysis. T test and one-way ANOVA examined the association between demographics and temperament components. Results The retained variables ranged between fair (> 0.43) and good (< 0.98) for all Lab-TAB episodes. Three higher-order temperament components were obtained. Age was significantly negatively correlated with Lab-TAB Fear dimension, r = − .47, p > .05, and Lab-TAB temperament component 3, r = .45, p > .05. Male toddlers (M = .55, SD = 1.055) had significantly higher levels of temperament component 3 compared to female (M = − .45, SD = .718), t(18) = 2.52, p < .05. There was a significant effect of time spent with mother on temperament component 3, F(2,17) = 7.01, p < .05. Conclusion After exploring the temperament factor structure, we found that the Lab-TAB locomotor version was a valid tool to be used to observe temperament in toddlers living in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern culture. Some gender significant differences would deserve deeper exploration in future research. A replication of this study would also strengthen its findings.