ABSTRACT
THERE is growing agreement among child psychologists about the value of a bi-dimensional model of personality. Although the proposed models differ in details, it is possible to identify two dimensions which recur with extraordinary regularity. The dimension of extraversion closely resembles descriptions which have been variously called participation-withdrawal, sociable-isolated, approach-withdrawn, active-inactive. The second (Eysenckian) dimension, neuroticism, would seem to resemble the descriptions of ego-strength/ego-weakness, stable-unstable, emotionality and so forth. Bearing in mind the tremendous variations in sample selection, test construction and statistical treatment which are to be found in these studies, the consensus of opinion is quite remarkable. It would appear that the ‘essence’ of personality can survive practically any experimental vibrations. This trend is aptly described by Schaeffer's (1961) phrase— ‘converging conceptual models’ for child behaviour. A similar development has also been noted in studies of adult personality. (Cf. Part I of this book.)
