Modeling the prediction of elementary school adjustment from preschool temperament

While there is a growing body of research demonstrating associations betwee n temperament and behavior problems, there are few longitudinal studies of temperament rated in early childhood, and behavior problems and skills asse ssed during the elementary school years in which different sources of data are used. In this research, parental ratings of temperament at age 5 years were used to predict school performance problems, behavior problems and pos itive social behaviors as rated by teachers at age 8 years. Using Latent Va riable Path Analysis With Partial Least Squares Estimation parent rated neg ative emotionality was found to be a substantial predictor of externalizing behavior problems, and a modest predictor of positive social behaviors (ne gative direction). Also, self-regulation of motor behavior and attention we re found to be predictive of school performance problems, and positive soci al behavior. This study strengthens the empirical literature on the connect ion between temperament and behavior problems, particularly problems observ ed in school setting. It underscores the importance of parent rated negativ e emotionality as a potent predictor of later occurring behavior problems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.