Citation

Fagot BI. J. Appl. Dev. Psychol. 1995; 16(1): 95-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Both 156 toddler-aged children (16 to 18 months old at first testing) and their parents provided data on four measures that have been used for selecting children who might have problems: (1) attachment classification (Ainsworth Strange Situation), (2) temperament, (Toddler Temperament Scale), (3) parent ratings of child problem behaviors (Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 2-3), and (4) playgroup observation of child problem behaviors, (Fagot Interactive Code). The attachment and temperament data were collected at 18 months, the peer playgroup data from 18 to 24 months, and the parent ratings of child problem behaviors at 24 months. The best agreement was between the same raters on different systems (i.e., mother temperament ratings with mother problem behavior ratings). When systems were compared across raters (mothers versus fathers) or methods (ratings, attachment classification, and observations), most predictions were very close to or below chance. The implications for treatment and prevention programs are discussed.