Multi-method longitudinal investigation of the general factor of child temperament (GFT): Substantive phenomenon or methodological artifact?

The current study used a multi-method, multi-informant approach to investigate the substantiveness of a general factor of child temperament (GFT) in a sample of 3-year-old children (N = 559; 53% male; 87% White/non-Hispanic). Criterion validity was explored through cross-sectional and longitudinal (age 6; N = 434) associations with general factors of psychopathology (p factors). GFT and p factor solutions were consistent across informants’ reports using the same method, but item loading patterns differed between laboratory observation and parent-report GFTs. GFTs showed weak or no association with GFTs from the other method. Finally, GFTs demonstrated weak criterion validity with p factors based on different methods and informants’ reports. These findings bring into question to what extent the GFT is substantive.