Regarding infant temperament, which statement is true?

• A. The majority of infants are found to have the Easy temperament.
• B. Most infants have the Difficult temperament.
• C. Most infants have Slow-to-warm-up temperament.
• D. Temperament cannot be categorized in infancy.

Answer: (A)

Infant temperament describes early-appearing, relatively stable patterns of mood, activity, and adaptability. In classic research, the majority of infants are described as Easy: they tend to have regular routines, a positive mood, adaptability to new experiences, and moderate levels of activity. This pattern is the most commonly observed, so describing most infants as Easy aligns with the data, making it the best choice.

The other descriptions capture less common profiles. A Difficult temperament involves irregular routines, intense and negative reactions, and low adaptability to novelty. Slow-to-warm-up infants are cautious and less aroused by new situations, taking longer to adjust. While some babies don’t fit neatly into one category, the general finding remains that Easy temperament is the most typical in infancy.