Behavioral Style Questionnaire for 3-7 Year-old Children
by Sean C. McDevitt, PhD & William B. Carey, MD
Temperament Report: Professional 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 contains results of the caregiver's ratings of this child's behavioral style or temperament. It tells about the behavioral reactions the rater has observed over a period of time. The report organizes and summarizes these observations. Although usually a clear view, the child's behavior patterns may change over time or the ratings may not be a totally accurate picture of the child's behavior. It is important for the caregiver and the professional to work together to obtain a complete view of the child and the meaning of the results.

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: Bars indicate temperament ratings; Circles indicate general impressions.

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Interpretation of Temperament Profile

The person who rated the child believes that he or she is somewhat difficult to manage. Refer to the validity section for additional information about this protocol. The interpretations below indicate how temperament was rated on the nine dimensions. Scales printed in bold are the ones most likely to be apparent to others and to influence interaction with the environment.


Activity Level (Midrange) This score indicates an activity level consistent with expectations for a youngster of this age level. The balance of high and low activity behaviors indicates that the child rarely should have difficulty in adjustment due to overly active or inactive behavioral style.

Rhythmicity/Daily Biological Cycles (High/Arrhythmic/Not Regular) This high score indicates a significant tendency toward irregularity in patterns of eating, sleeping and elimination. These children often have needs which are unscheduled or unanticipated by adults due to their lack of predictability. Such children may be hungry between meals or may refuse to eat at meals. Similar lack of schedule may be seen with sleep; naps may be taken even though adequate rest was obtained the night before. This irregularity should be accepted as part of his/her temperament but social rules can be imposed to control it. For example, if the child is not sleepy at bedtime, s/he could be allowed to stay awake but quietly in his/her own room.

Approach/Withdrawal (Midrange) This record indicates a balance between a tendency to move toward and to move away from new people, situations, or experiences. At times, this child appears comfortable with novelty, at other times s/he may withdraw while sizing up the situation and deciding when s/he is comfortable. Quick approach does not necessarily indicate interest nor does slow approach indicate dislike. Only after the initial response to novelty wears off will parents be able to evaluate his/her interest in the new thing.

Adaptability (High/Nonadaptable/Gradual) This child's score indicates slowness to change behavior in meeting the expectations of others. These youngsters may have difficulty altering their usual reactions, or may require an extended period to adjust. In a situation that may pose a challenge to the child, such as a new school, several periods of brief exposure, or gradually increasing exposure, are needed. 'Sink or swim' approaches may lead to more difficulties for this child.

Intensity (Low/Mild) This low score indicates a mild level of emotional expression, although not necessarily a mild level of feelings inside. Children in this range may respond quietly or meekly in nearly all situations. Parents should be aware that the needs and concerns of this child may be valid and deeply felt even though they are quietly expressed. Complaints of any kind, but especially physical illness, should be taken seriously and investigated before being dismissed.

Mood (Midrange) This score indicates a child who generally has a balance of positive and negative expression of emotion. At times, the child may react in a placid and positive manner; at other times s/he may appear moody and cranky. These reactions may be related largely to the situation rather than a temperamental trait or personality disposition.

Persistence (Low/Nonpersistent/Rarely Persistent) This youngster's score indicates low persistence, giving up or interrupting tasks before completing them. S/He is most comfortable with brief periods of involvement and may need to be watched to ensure that tasks are eventually completed. Parents should give reminders when necessary and focus on the quality of the work rather than on the number of work periods required to finish.

Distractibility (Midrange) This score indicates a child of average range in distractibility. S/He is likely to show a mixture of responding to or ignoring distractions that could interrupt ongoing behavior. S/He is probably not seen as having difficulty staying on task, nor is s/he likely to change activities frequently in response to distractions.

Sensory Threshold (Low/Nonsensitive) This record indicates a child relatively unaffected by (does not notice) sensory stimulation such as bright light, loud noises, taste, textures or minor changes in appearance. S/He may need higher levels of input before changes in his/her behavior are seen. S/He may miss cues or implied meanings. Repetition is needed to learn rules and socially accepted responses.

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Validity Checks


Missing Data
This record contains 1 missing items. This is considered complete data and based on a sufficient number of behavioral observations to be representative of current and recent behavior.

Social Desirability
This profile is based on data with appropriate levels of consistency and a balanced profile of high and low scores. The professional can be relatively confident that these ratings represent an accurate view of this youngster's temperament profile. Additional interviewing, observation, and discussion are always useful in clarifying the total picture and identifying sources of stress or concern.

Ratings/Perceptions Discrepancies
The following temperament categories show discrepant ratings and perceptions of temperament. Usually these are discussed with the caregiver to determine which is the more accurate view of the child.

The rater views the child as less active than rated.The rater views the child as more regular than rated.The rater views the child as more intense than rated.The rater views the child as more negative than rated.The rater views the child as more persistent than rated.



Temperament Category Scores

Category

Activity

Rhythmicity

Approach

Adaptability

Intensity

Mood

Persistence

Distractibility

Threshold

Category Score

3.31

3.89

3.55

3.50

3.00

3.18

3.70

3.20

3.18

Z Score

-0.34

1.67

0.59

1.32

-2.34

-0.19

1.20

-0.85

-1.33

Raw Scores for Each Questionnaire Item(note: blank items are printed as zeroes).

Item 01. 3Item 02. 3Item 03. 3Item 04. 3Item 05. 3Item 06. 3Item 07. 3Item 08. 3Item 09. 3Item 10. 3
Item 11. 3Item 12. 3Item 13. 3Item 14. 3Item 15. 3Item 16. 3Item 17. 3Item 18. 3Item 19. 3Item 20. 3
Item 21. 3Item 22. 3Item 23. 3Item 24. 3Item 25. 3Item 26. 3Item 27. 3Item 28. 3Item 29. 3Item 30. 3
Item 31. 3Item 32. 3Item 33. 3Item 34. 3Item 35. 3Item 36. 3Item 37. 3Item 38. 3Item 39. 3Item 40. 3
Item 41. 3Item 42. 3Item 43. 3Item 44. 3Item 45. 3Item 46. 3Item 47. 3Item 48. 3Item 49. 3Item 50. 3
Item 51. 3Item 52. 3Item 53. 3Item 54. 3Item 55. 3Item 56. 3Item 57. 3Item 58. 3Item 59. 3Item 60. 3
Item 61. 3Item 62. 3Item 63. 3Item 64. 3Item 65. 3Item 66. 3Item 67. 3Item 68. 3Item 69. 3Item 70. 3
Item 71. 3Item 72. 3Item 73. 3Item 74. 3Item 75. 3Item 76. 3Item 77. 3Item 78. 3Item 79. 3Item 80. 3
Item 81. 3Item 82. 3Item 83. 3Item 84. 3Item 85. 3Item 86. 3Item 87. 3Item 88. 3Item 89. 3Item 90. 3
Item 91. 3Item 92. 3Item 93. 3Item 94. 3Item 95. 3Item 96. 3Item 97. 3Item 98. 3Item 99. 3Item 100. 0


Raw Scores for General Impressions of Temperament

Category

Activity

Rhythmicity

Approach

Adaptability

Intensity

Mood

Persistence

Distractibility

Threshold

Manageability

Raw Score

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

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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.

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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