On the basis of Western studies suggesting that infants with difficult
temperaments are at greater risk for behavioral and physical disorders, the
author postulated that Masai infants with difficult temperaments would be
at greater risk in the harsh environment created by the sub- Saharan
drought in 1974, which disrupted the life of the Masai people of East
Africa and resulted in increased infant mortality. Two groups of infants
with difficult and easy temperaments were defined and followed. Contrary to
expectations, mortality was greater for the infants with easy temperaments.
The infant's contribution, child- rearing orientation, and feeding
practices were factors influencing survival.Abstract Teaser