ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the variations of normal and abnormal temperament that are largely constitutional in origin and contribute to individual differences of personality, and to some pathological developments. The correlation of body measurements with the disorders of mental hospital patients led E. Kretschmer to develop his ideas of three types of physique and temperament, two of these to be found in patients with two specific forms of mental illness. Broad dimensions of temperament or constitutional type have contributed to the understanding of aspects of adult personality and pathology. The New York researchers accumulated detailed descriptions from mothers of their children's daily activities at regular intervals. Some differences are biologically based, but it is often difficult to disentangle these from personality attributes due to social expectations, that is to the different responses boys and girls at different ages and in different cultures elicit from other people.
