Mothers` Perceived Temperament of Their Preschoolers and its Related Factors

Abstract

This descriptive study was conducted to explore the mothers’ perceived temperament of their preschoolers, and its related factors. Survey from 212 mothers of preschoolers residing in Seoul, Daejeon, and Suwon was performed, and Schaefer’s MBRI(Maternal Behavior Research Instrument), and PTQ(Parent Temperament Questionnaire) by Thomas and Chess, Child-rearing burden instrument by Han were used to collect data from September 15 to October 31, 2002. Data was analyzed with SPSS 10.0 Win program.

Summaries of results were as follows:

1. There was no significant difference in temperament type-easy or difficult childdepending upon the demographic characteristics.

2. In temperament subscale, boys showed higher activity level than girls, and in working mothers group, adaptability was significantly lower although mood was higher. Preschoolers with expanded families were higher in activity level and intensity of reaction than with nuclear families.

3. Approach-withdrawal, adaptability, and mood showed significant negative relationship with maternal childrearing burden.

4. Temperament showed significant positive or negative relationship with maternal childrearing attitudes.

In conclusion, it determined preschoolers’ temperament was affected by primary environment such as maternal attitude, childrearing burden, and family type as well as children’s gender. It was suggested that parent education and counselling program in nursing would be needed to promote children’s desirable temperament.