Table 1 Temperament dimensions, definitions, and example items from the Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ)

Temperamental activity level (TAL)

Gross motor activity including the rate and extent of the locomotion

Tends to run rather than walk from room to room

Is full of energy, even in the evening

High Intensity Pleasure (HIP)

Amount of pleasure related to situations involving high stimulus intensity, rate, complexity, novelty, and incongruity

Likes going down high slides or other adventurous activities

Enjoys activities such as being chased, spun around by the arms, etc.

Low Intensity Pleasure (LIP)

Amount of pleasure involved in situations with low stimulus intensity, rate, complexity, novelty, and incongruity

Enjoys taking warm baths

Enjoys just being talked to

Surgency (SUR)

A trait aspect of emotional reactivity marked by rapid approach to rewards and high activity level

Computed from measures of Impulsivity, High Intensity Pleasure, Activity Level, and Shyness (negative loading)