Behavioral Style Questionnaire for 3-7 Year-old Children
by Sean C. McDevitt, PhD & William B. Carey, MD
Temperament Report: Caregiver Copy

Child's Name:

Charley Cheese

Gender:

Male

Date of Birth:

10/14/1999

Date of Rating:

10/16/2004

Current Age:

5 years, 0 months

Rated by:

Mother

Professional:

Dr. Carey

Affiliation:

CHOP

This report is designed to give you and any professional with whom you and may be working a meaningful view of the child's temperament. The report organizes and summarizes your observations. The interpretations below indicate how temperament was rated on the nine dimensions. In most cases, this report represents a clear view of a child's temperament. Occasionally, however, ratings may not represent a totally accurate view. By working with your professional you may obtain a more complete view of your child's temperament.

Temperament Profile
Highly Active
IMP
Inactive
Irregular
IMP
Regular
Withdrawing
IMP
Approaching
Slow Adaptable
IMP
Adaptable
Intense
IMP
Mild Intensity
Negative
IMP
Positive
Nonpersistent
IMP
Persistent
Distractible
IMP
Nondistractible
Sensitive
IMP
Low Reactive


Note: Blue colored bars indicate temperament ratings; Circles indicate general impressions.

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Interpretation of Temperament Profile

Overall, Charley was seen as somewhat difficult to manage Scales printed in bold are the ones most likely to be apparent to others and to influence the way Charley interacts with others and in most situations.


Activity Level (Midrange) Charley enjoys a wide range of activities, both active and inactive. Help him find activities which take full advantage this wide-ranging activity potential. It is unlikely that his activity level is causing problems for Charley at this time.

Daily Biological Cycles (Rhythmicity) (Not predictable) Charley may not be hungry at mealtimes and eat differing amounts at each meal. He may need snacks. Charley may not be sleepy at bedtime and may need different amounts of sleep each night. This could cause him to become more tired than you realize. Scheduling can be difficult. Try to avoid fights over finishing at meals and potty training. Toilet training requires a lot of maturity when bowel movements occur at different times each day. You may find that Charley is better able to 'go with the flow' when the family schedule goes out the window.

First Reaction (Approach/Withdrawal) (Midrange) At times Charley appears comfortable with novelty, while at other times he may withdraw until sizing up the situation. You may notice, for instance that he is quite willing to meet new people but may be wary of new foods; likes new clothes but is wary of new persons. In any case, only after the novelty wears off can you evaluate his interest. It is unlikely that reactions to newness are causing problems for this child at this time.

Adaptability (Gradual) Charley adapts gradually to situations which require changes in his behavior, such as changes in schedule, moving from one activity to another, or changing activities to suit your wishes. He may require extended periods of time to adjust. When introducing Charley to a new experience, help him adjust by providing several periods of brief exposure to the experience. Avoid using the 'sink or swim' approach which will only cause more difficulties. Keeping a predictable routine helps Charley know what to expect next. A child who adapts gradually has a strong sense of self which, if properly shaped, helps protect him from being swayed by others.

Intensity of Expression (Mild) Although Charley has mild emotional reactions, remember that he may not be experiencing mild feelings inside. He may respond quietly or meekly in nearly all situations. Be aware that his needs may be real and strongly felt even though they are expressed quietly. Complaints of any kind, but especially those of physical illness, should be taken seriously and investigated carefully.

Predominant Mood (Midrange) Charley has a balance of positive and negative moods. You can probably consider his mood to be a good indicator of how he is feeling about something. It is unlikely that mood is causing a problem for Charley at this time.

Persistence Level (Rarely Persistent) Charley may tend to give up or interrupt tasks before completing them. He is more comfortable with brief periods of involvement and may need your support to ensure that tasks are eventually completed. Focus on the quality of Charley's work rather than on the amount of time it may take him to complete it. Give reminders when necessary. This trait is helpful in situations where there are constant interruptions.

Distraction Level (Mid range) Charley shows a mixture of sometimes being distracted and sometimes not. Distractions may include sights, sounds, irrelevant events, nearby conversations, etc. It is unlikely that distraction level is causing problems for this child at this time.

Sensory Reactivity (Threshold) (Nonreactive) Charley may not notice or be affected by bright lights, strong odors, loud noise, taste, texture or minor changes in appearance. You may need to use a louder voice, bigger movements or a stronger touch to bring about changes in his behavior. You will probably need to drill Charley on family rules for a while to help him remember them. He may also miss cues, implied meanings or emotional changes in others. Unflappable may describe Charley.

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This profile information is based on research in temperament and on scores on the Behavioral Style Questionnaire © by Sean C. McDevitt, Ph.D., and William B. Carey, M.D., 1975-95. All rights reserved. If your perceptions of Charley vary with the above information, please discuss these differences with your professional. In general, the stronger the temperament characteristic is, the more you will be aware of that trait.

The Carey Temperament Scales Report Writer is provided by:
Behavioral-Developmental Initiatives,
14636 North 55th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
800-405-2313; 602-494-2688 fax; http://www.b-di.com

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