Latent-Variable Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire

Abstract

Latent-variable confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the dimensional structure of adolescent temperament from a sample of 436 adolescents. The ninedimensional model proposed by A. Thomas and S. Chess in 1977 was extended by including a bidimensional structure of Mood (including both positive and negative affectivity) and a dimension of Ego Control tapping resiliency and flexibility. All 11 dimensions were statistically reliable and a superiorfit was obtained with a correlated, rather than an orthogonal, model. Results indicated that the factors of Threshold, Intensity, and Distractibility may not be developmentally consistent nor conceptually homogeneous. Moreover, modelfit statistics underscored that a single nomothetic model could not adequately account for the variability underlying the temperamental styles of these adolescents. Separate primary models reflecting temperamental "systems" of Cognitive-Diligence, Sociability/Resilience, and Wgor/Mobility also were tested. Findings suggest that extension of temperament assessment from infancy and childhood to adolescence is developmentally appropriate, although further elucidation of temperamental styles consistent with adult personality is warranted.