At present, we have not yet tested an empirical model describing the specific developmental process by which temperament leads to urgency. There is no identified, developmental sequence from one factor of temperament to the urgency traits, nor is such a one-to-one association either likely or necessary for the theory of urgency. However, most temperament models emphasize both emotionality and the capacity for behavioral regulation (Eisenberg et al., 2000; Rothbart et al., 2000a), the latter of which can perhaps be considered a disposition not to engage in rash action. There is some lack of certainty as to how the two dimensions are related in infants and children. Possibilities considered by researchers are (a) emotionality and behavioral regulation are so highly correlated that one tends not to find independent effects of each, (b) each provides additive behavioral prediction over the other among infants and children, or (c) the two interact as well (Eisenberg et al., 1995; Eisenberg et al., 2000; Rothbart et al., 2000a; Rothbart & Bates, 1998). There is some, albeit limited, evidence for additive and interactive effects (Eisenberg et al., 2000).
