Australian Temperament Project. /

Description based on contents viewed : 23 May 2006 Mode of access : WORLD WIDE WEB ONLINE RESOURCE

The Australian Temperament Project (ATP) is a longitudinal study of the psychosocial development of a large and representative sample of Australian children born in the state of Victoria, Australia between September 1982 and January 1983. The study aims to trace the pathways to psychosocial adjustment and maladjustment across the lifespan, and to investigate the contribution of personal, family and environmental factors to development and wellbeing. A major theme throughout has been the influence of an individual's temperament on his/her emotional and behavioural adjustment. The broad issues addressed include: > >the contribution of temperament to a child's emotional, behavioural and school adjustment; > >the impact of family and environmental factors, together with child characteristics, on emotional and behavioural adjustment; > >the factors and processes involved in the progression of childhood behaviour problems (e.g. aggression, hyperactivity, anxiety) to adolescent and adult adjustment difficulties (e.g. antisocial behaviour, substance use, depression); > >genetic influences on temperament and behaviour; > >the development of healthy, socially competent functioning; > >the development of civic mindedness and social responsibility; > >the transition to young adulthood: pathways to occupational and educational participation, the development of interpersonal relationships, and family formation.