The New York Longitudinal Study has followed the behavioral development
of 133 subjects from early infancy to early adult life. Special attention
has been given to the systematic clinical evaluation and follow-up of all
subjects presenting any evidence of behavior disorder. The authors present
incidence and outcome data, define the concept of temperament, and briefly
discuss conceptual issues and empirical findings. They found the "goodness
of fit" (consonance between the individual and the environment) concept
useful in tracing developmental sequences. The authors summarize
quantitative analyses identifying significant group correlations between
antecedent variables and early adult outcome and suggest a tentative
classification of the idiosyncratic factors also evident in the clinical
course of individual subjects, with case illustrations.Abstract Teaser