The EAS Temperament questionnaire - Factor structure, age trends, reliability, and stability in a Norwegian sample

A population-based sample of Norwegian children aged 18 months (N = 921), 3 0 months (N = 784), and 50 months (N = 737) was examined with the EAS Tempe rament Survey (Buss & Plomin, 1984). The factor structure, psychometric pro perties, and stability estimates of the instrument were assessed. A cross-v alidation of the temperament factors of Emotionality, Activity, and Shyness show that the covariance structure conforms with the three scales describe d by Rowe and Plomin (1977) and Beer and Westenberg (1994). When items from the experimental scale of Sociability were included in the analysis, a fou r-factor solution confirmed the separate usability of this scale as well. T he factor structure does not seem to vary substantially with the age of the children. The scores on the four temperament scales show high stability fr om one time of measurement to the next. Although no strong gender differenc es were found, there were significant age trends. Emotionality and Shyness increased from 18 to 50 months, while Activity and Sociability decreased. T he study confirmed the structure and stability of the EAS over 3 years amon g young children, providing support for its use with children as young as 1 8 months.