Thomas and Chess 9 DIMENSIONS OF TEMPERAMENT
1 2 3 4 5
I ACTIVITY LEVEL
Level of physical or mental activity
Active……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………….Very Inactive/quiet
II REGULARITY
(Rhythmicity) Preferences to predictable routines or spontaneity
Highly Regular/Predictable………………………………………….………………………………………..………..Highly Irregular/Unpredictable
III DISTRACTIBILITY
Degree to which extraneous stimuli affects behavior, readiness to leave one activity or another
Easily Distracted………………………………………………………………………….………….…………….Very Focused Despite Distractions
IV APPROACH-WITHDRAWAL
Ways of Responding to New Situations
Enjoys New Experiences ………………………………………………………………………………….………………..Avoids New Experiences
V ADAPTABILITY
Ease of Adjustment to New Ideas or Initial Situations (Initial Response)
Adapts Very Easily to Change……………………………………………………….…………………………………..……Has Difficulty Adapting
VI PHYSICAL SENSITIVITY (Threshold of Responsiveness)
Sensitivity to changes in the environment including noise, taste, smell, and temperature
Very Aware of Changes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………Not Attuned to Changes
VII INTENSITY OF REACTION
Energy level typical of responses, both positive and negative
Very High Intensity ……………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….…Very Low Intensity
VIII PERSISTENCE OF ATTENTION SPAN
The amount of time devoted to an activity, even when it is not difficult, and the ability to continue working when distracted.
Not Easily Distracted……………………………………………………………..……………………………………………..Very Easily Distracted
IX QUALITY OF MOOD
General optimism or pessimism; tendency to enjoy things uncritically or to be more selective about situations enjoyed.
Generally Happy or Optimistic………………………………………………………………………..Generally Sad or Pessimistic