Peer-reviewed article
Evaluation of a modified version of the integrative child temperament inventory for 6-to-16-month-old infants.
Derhardt R, Bunz M, Zentner M, Seehagen S, Schneider S ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study validates a modified questionnaire for measuring temperament in infants aged 6 to 16 months. The researchers adapted the Integrative Child Temperament Inventory and tested it with 293 caregivers. The final 18-item version showed acceptable reliability and stability over time. The tool aims to help identify infant behavior patterns that may predict later development and mental health.
Key points
- A reduced 18-item version of the ICTI6-16 showed acceptable model fit after exploratory factor analysis
- Internal consistency ranged from modest to good (ω = .57-.80) across five scales
- Test-retest stability was substantial across all five scales (r = .67-.86)
- The tool was tested with 293 caregivers (mostly mothers aged 31-40 years) with infants aged 6-16 months
- Validity correlations were generally consistent with theoretical expectations
Limitations
This is a validation study of a measurement tool, not an evaluation of a child well-being intervention or outcome. It cannot tell us whether measuring temperament with this tool actually improves child outcomes or leads to better parenting practices.
Abstract
Background Infant temperament is seen as a foundational factor in predicting adaptive development and long-term mental health. Measuring temperament provides important information concerning behavior and reactions and may indicate further development and adaptations of an infant. The availability of widely accepted and validated questionnaires is limited for the age range between 12 and 18 months. Aim The present study aimed to validate an age-adapted version of the Integrative Child Temperament Inventory (ICTI) as an efficient measure for temperament of infants between six and 16 months of age. Method The ICTI comprises five factors. Items were modified for use with infants. The final sample consisted of 293 caregivers (274 mothers, 18 fathers, participation of both parents in one case; 75.8% between 31 and 40 years) who completed the baseline survey regarding their infant aged between six and 16 months. Results and conclusion The a priori CFA did not provide optimal model fit, but EFA and parallel analysis supported a five-factor structure, and a reduced 18-item version subsequently showed acceptable model fit. Internal consistency ranged from modest to good (ω =.57-.80), while all five scales demonstrated substantial test-retest stability (r = .67-.86). Validity correlations were generally consistent with expectations, providing initial support for the reliability and validity of the reduced ICTI6-16.