Marjorie P. Honzik

Value and Limitations of Infant Tests: An Overview

The development of intelligence during infancy is impressive and measurable. The anthropometrist measures growth in head size, which reflects the growth of the brain. The neuropathologist measures cerebral DNA to estimate cell number and possible damage from malnutrition or other causes (Winick, 1970). The psychologist measures behavioral change by means of careful observations of responses to specific tasks. In this chapter we shall review critically infant tests and their contribution to the understanding of mental growth in the first months of life.

Continuity and Change in Women's Characteristics over Four Decades

Fifty-three mothers of participants in the Guidance Study of the Institute of Human Development at the University of California, Berkeley, were rated on 21 cognitive and personality-social characteristics at approximately 30 years of age and again at age 70. As judged by the interage correlations, all 5 of the cognitive variables and 10 of the 16 personality variables, proved to be relatively stable over the 40-year period. Ratings of intelligence, mental alertness, speed of mental processes, use of language, and accuracy in thinking were relatively consistent and the following personality-social characteristics also showed continuity over the 40-year interval: talkativeness, cheerfulness, frankness in discussion, tendency to criticize, excitability, energy level and self-esteem. Ratings of self-assurance, attitude toward child and satisfaction with life showed little stability over this long interval. A new factor analytic method was used to extract 3 factors common to both ages, together with 2 factors specific to age 30 and 3 factors specific to age 70.

Adolescent health and personality: Significance for adult health*

Prediction of health at middle age was studied in two longitudinal investigations of urban children: the Berkeley Guidance Study from birth to 42 years of age and the Oakland Growth Study from 11 through 50 years of age. Overall health ratings, weight status, blood pressure, and personality measures were analyzed. Weight/height ratios were highly stable from childhood to adolescence and moderately stable from adolescence to middle age. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in adolescence were moderately predictive of adult status. Health ratings in adolescence were predictive of health ratings in middle age for female only. Teenage personality traits appear to have significance for adult health in that a calm, controlled personality in adolescence tends to be a significant forecaster of health in midlife. Male and female patterns differ in that female health appears to be influenced more by personality and experiential factors.