PARENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPERAMENT AND PREFERENCE FUNCTIONS OF THEIR CHILDREN

Abstract

Despite support for the existence and clinical importance of temperament differences in children, the phenomenon is not well understood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children aged 9–15 years. The data analysis before intervention revealed that none of the parents participating in this study identified temperament as a possible variable that influenced their child’s behaviour. Children then completed the prototype temperament sorter. Parents received verbal feedback regarding their children’s temperament and preference functions. Interviews were again conducted. The parents changed their focus and became more aware of the child’s nature and started to validate the child’s unique being.