Abstract:

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of temperament on the psychological adjustment of preschool children. In the study, the relationship between children's temperament and psychological adjustment was also examined. The study group consisted of 311 children aged 5-6 years. Data were obtained from the mothers of the children. Temperament Scale for Children and Hacettepe Mental Adaptation Inventory were used in data collection. Spearman Brown Correlation analysis and CHAID analysis were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the research, it was determined that as children's temperament characteristics of closeness and harmony, reactivity, attention and perseverance, rhythmicity and emotional sensitivity increase, their psychological adaptation also increases. As a result of the research, it was seen that preschool children were evaluated as psychologically compatible by their mothers. It has been determined that the most effective temperament feature on children's mental adjustment is reactivity, and the more normal/acceptable the children's reactivity behaviors are, the better their mental adjustment will be. In addition, it has been determined that children with normal/acceptable level of reactivity and sensory sensitivity, and high intimacy and harmony have good psychological adjustment. It was determined that the children with high emotional sensitivity and activity level among the children with moderate reactivity, and the children with high rhythmicity among the children with the lowest acceptable reactivity have good psychological adjustment.

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