Robert Côté

FAMILY CORRELATES OF TEMPERAMENT CONTINUITY AND CHANGE ACROSS MIDDLE CHILDHOOD

This paper reports on continuity and change of extreme traits of temperament from age seven to 12 in subgroups selected from a large random sample and on the association of continuity with certain aspects of family functioning. Results suggest a definite degree of stability of extreme temperament over time. Implications of the findings are discussed and directions for future research suggested.

Brain-stem auditory evoked response : normative values in children

Normative values of brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) derived from a large (N = 174) normal school age sample are presented. In our 4-14 years of age sample we found a significant influence of sex on some BAER components, and a significant influence of age on others. The norms have been computed according to these influences. Particular aspects of the influence of age and sex are also discussed.

The New York Longitudinal Studies Model of Temperament: Gender Differences and Demographic Correlates in a French‐speaking Population

A random sample of 984 normal children from among all 6253 second graders of Quebec City was studied by means of a French translation of the Thomas, Chess and Korn Parent Temperament Questionnaire (PTQ). Both test-retest reliability and the effect of trained persons assisting parents in filling out the PTQ were assessed. A temperamental typology similar to the New York Longitudinal Studies easy-difficult profile was observed. Findings included significantly more boys in the extremely difficult group and very slight or absent association between socioeconomic class and temperament. Higher representation in difficult child category may be a factor in greater psychiatric risk for boys; this has preventative implications.

Brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER): normative study in children and adults

The influences of age and sex on the BAER latency values are analysed in a non-clinical sample of adults and children. We found (1) that BAER values vary according to age and sex, but for the III-V interpeak latency (IPL); (2) that the age effect is more important than the sex effect on absolute latency (AL) II, III and V; (3) that there is a significant sex effect on the I-III IPL. Comparisons to other studies are made: we find differences but no contradiction. This is briefly discussed.

Empirical characteristics of the NYLS temperament in middle childhood: congruities and incongruities with other studies.

Recent literature highlights the importance of studying the empirical qualities of the different models of temperament developed to date. The present paper deals specifically with the NYLS definition of temperament. The research data, gathered on a random sample (N=647) from the Quebec City general population aged 8 and 12 years, do not replicate the main typology (similar to the NYLS ‘easy-difficult’ cluster) previously identified in younger random samples of our population nor that found in other Swedish or American samples. The implications of the findings in terms of temperament main typology as well as in terms of SES and sex differences are discussed in the context of the other studies utilizing the NYLS definition of temperament. Developmental and methodological considerations are derived from the congruities and incongruities observed in the results of the various studies.

The relationship between family functioning and demographic characteristics in an epidemiological study

This paper reports on the characteristics of two dimensions (behavior control and communication) of the McMaster Model of Family Functioning (MMFF) as assessed through the MMFF semi-structured interview in families of the normal nonclinical population of Quebec City (N= 118). Interrater reliability as well as scores distribution are reported. Particular attention is given to the absence of association found between family functioning and socioeconomic status. Exploratory data about the relationship between parental conflict and family functioning are also discussed in terms of future inquiries in child psychiatric epidemiology.