The relationship between temperament and intelligence: Cross-sectional study in successive age groups

The aim of our study was to investigate the pattern of relationships between temperament and intelligence in the successive groups of age covering all stages in human life. Three theoretical views investigating the linkage between both concepts were considered: hypothesis of so-called “common ground”, relationships via process of development and relationships via process of measurement. In correspondence with Cattell’s theory fluid and crystallized aspects of intelligence were measured consecutively by the Raven’s Progressive Matrices and by the Army General Classification Test (civilian version). Temperament was measured by the Pavlovian Temperament Survey and the EAS Temperament Survey. Overall 831 participants, divided into seven groups of age, took part in the study. In the whole sample mobility of the nervous system was positively related to both aspects of intelligence, emotionality was negatively related to gf, and activity—to crystallized intelligence. The analyses in the sub-samples revealed crucial differences between children and the remaining groups. In children the dimension describing the ability to process stimulation is positively related to gf. In adolescents and adults crystallized intelligence was positively correlated with need for stimulation. Our results support mainly the hypothesis of influence of temperament on the development of intelligence.