Profiles Obtained from Clustering Behaviours in Situations Rated on Infant Temperament Dimensions

Abstract

When working with parents trying to cope with an exceptional child in a family setting, it is often difficult to meaningfully illustrate their views of the child's current behaviours and/or changes brought about by deliberate interventions. One approach outlined in the present paper involves obtaining from participants their ratings on a number of bi‐polar “temperament” dimensions of behaviours which a child may display in different situations. These data are then subjected to a cluster analysis which displays correspondences graphically, in a form which can be discussed directly. An example drawn from the authors’ involvement with parents coping with crying babies is provided.