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Temperamental Profiles of Dysregulated Children

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Abstract

It is crucial to characterize self-regulation in children. We compared the temperamental profiles of children with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP) to profiles associated with other CBCL-derived syndromes. 382 children (204 boys; aged 5–18) from a large family study were examined. Temperamental profiles were based on the Juvenile Temperament and Character Inventory. Children with the CBCL-DP had a temperamental profile characterized by high Novelty Seeking, high Harm Avoidance, low Reward Dependence and low Persistence. Linear mixed models and regression-based models demonstrated that the CBCL-DP was associated with a “disengaged” temperamental profile. This profile is similar to the profile seen in adult disorders of self-regulation, including cluster B personality disorders. These results support the hypothesis that the CBCL-DP measures poor self-regulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Divisions of Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, University of Vermont, 1 South Prospect St, Box 364SJ3, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA

    Robert R. Althoff, Lynsay A. Ayer, David C. Rettew & James J. Hudziak

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    Robert R. Althoff, David C. Rettew & James J. Hudziak

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    Robert R. Althoff, Eileen T. Crehan & Julie R. Baer

  4. Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    James J. Hudziak

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  1. Robert R. Althoff
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  2. Lynsay A. Ayer
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  3. Eileen T. Crehan
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  4. David C. Rettew
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  5. Julie R. Baer
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  6. James J. Hudziak
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Correspondence to Robert R. Althoff.

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Althoff, R.R., Ayer, L.A., Crehan, E.T. et al. Temperamental Profiles of Dysregulated Children. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 43, 511–522 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-012-0280-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-012-0280-7

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