Temperament Trait - Mood

This is the 10th in a series of 11 blog posts about temperament. (Click here to return to the beginning)

The classic question for assessing this temperament trait is:  "do you see the glass as half empty or as half full?".

A person's overall way of reacting to the world is what we mean by the temperament trait of Mood. And this is not something that fundamentally changes over time. At one end of the spectrum we have the sunny, 'everything is positive' person and at the other end we have the serious,  'everything has its drawbacks' person. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

Culturally, just as with all temperament traits, we make a lot of judgements about this trait. A more serious person may be called "gloomy and pessimistic" even "Eeyore" by some and "realistic and thoughtful" by others. But serious shouldn't be confused with sad or troubled. Each person is capable of feeling the full range of emotions but will exhibit them to the world differently.

At the sunny end of the spectrum

• Baby will smile more and may trigger more positive interactions as a result

• Toddler will find it easy to be silly and playful

• Child will typically recount the pleasures of their day

• Teen may be more likely to seek positive feedback and encouragement to keep going in the face of adversity

• Adult will anticipate smooth sailing and may embark on more new projects as a result
  

  At the serious end of the spectrum

• Baby will appear to be more of an observer

• Toddler will appear to be studying the world around them

• Child will typically recount the disappointments, frustrations and concerns of their day

• Teen may be more likely to seek negative feedback and guidance on how to improve

• Adult will anticipate roadblocks and difficulties and may be more prepared for any project as a result

The serious child may be less able to attract and engage adults as a baby and may get less stimulation and attention than a sunny child as a result.  On the other hand getting a serious child to laugh is more challenging and therefore also more rewarding and these children benefit when they have adults willing to invest the effort. The serious child is more likely to notice unfairness, power imbalances, flaws, obstacles and barriers. A serious child needs to have their concerns and disappointments acknowledged and shown how to act upon them positively rather than be defeated by them. Serious children need to be reminded of the silver linings.  Serious children are capable of becoming thoughtful, analytical thinkers and problem solvers.

One risk with a sunny, cheerful child is that he is labelled as such - "you're always so happy" and doesn't develop the ability to name and express anger, frustration and sadness. We place such value on having a sunny disposition that we need to remind children that it is not a requirement. This child also benefits from reality checks and discussions around expectations. Sunny children are just as capable of becoming thoughtful, analytical thinkers and problem solvers!