Chapter 3, Problem 1GQ1

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

Missy, a preterm and 15-months-old, has neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). She has been in several foster homes since birth and is in herpresent home for the past 12 months. She is clingy, shy and has delayed motor, language as well as cognitive development.

To review:

Missy’s temperament along the Thomas and Chess’ dimension of temperament. Also, the environmental and genetic influences that are the factors for her temperament.

Explanation of Solution

Temperament includes innate personality of the babies, and the pattern in which the babies react and interact with their surrounding environment to which they are exposed to since birth. Missy’s temperament according to the Thomas and Chess’ dimension of temperamentis discussed below:

Thomas and Chess’ dimension of temperament	Missy’s temperament
Activity level	She cannot walk, pulls to stand and cruises. She canonly babble da-da andma-ma.
Approach/withdrawal	Cries when her foster mother puts her down.
Rhythmicity	She is shy and clingy.
Sensory threshold	Clings toher foster mother when a new person arrives.
Adaptability	Reluctant to separate from her foster mother during supervised visits.
Intensity of reaction	Cries and is reluctant to separate.
Quality of mood	Negative mood behavior.
Attention	Short attention span.
Distractibility	Distractedwhen her foster mother takes her.

Genetic factors like premature birth, NAS because of hermother’s substance abuse, developmental delays, separation from her mother and living in numerous foster homescan be the factors responsible for her temperament.