Exploratory factor analysis conducted with the scores from all temperament scales available through age 5 resulted in a 3-factor solution based on the scree plots’ jump in eigenvalues. Factor loadings are shown in Table 3. The first factor contained items from the CIT Scale at 6 months, with the highest loadings for low adaptability and low approachability. The second and third factors consisted of constructs measured across multiple time points and using different scales, indicating more stable temperament patterns that persisted across early childhood. Factor 2 consisted of measures that reflected both emotional and conduct difficulties across 5 assessments between 24 and 69 months of age. Factor 3 consisted of items that indexed high activity, low shyness, and high sociability across the same 5 assessments between 24 and 69 months of age. Factors are referred to by the italicized indicator in tables and text for ease of interpretation.
