The Influence of Temperamental Traits and Prosocial Practices used by Parents in Prosocial Behavior in Toddlers over Time
Summary
Samenvatting: The current study explored how temperamental traits and prosocial practices used by parents, contribute to variability in early-appearing prosocial behavior in toddlers. Moreover, potential sources of variability in early prosocial behavior were explored and examined as additional possible predictors of prosocial behavior concurrently and longitudinally. Using data from a three-wave, longitudinal study called The Little Helpers, both observed, parent- and teacher-reported measures were taken into account. Toddlers between 16 and 24 months-old (N = 94) were administered prosocial behavioral tasks (measuring instrumental helping, emphatic helping and sharing), as well as parent- and teacher-reported prosociality at home and in the classroom. Mothers filled in questionnaires about their parenting practices on prosocial behavior and their toddlers’ temperament. Prosocial practices predicted prosocial behavior one year later, when prosocial behavior was observed. Negative temperamental traits related (negatively) to mother-reported prosocial behavior, both concurrently and longitudinally. No interaction effect of prosocial practices and negative temperament was found. Strengths and limitations of the current study, and suggestions for future research are discussed.