Abstract :
The Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) primarily presented by Strelau about 20 years ago. has undergone several changes. The current status of the RTT has been described by nine postulates. They ascribe temperament to formal characteristics of behavior present since early infancy in humans and animals, and underline the biological background of temperament characteristics as well as their possible changes due to biologically determined life-span variation and individual-specific interaction with the environment. The RTT underlines the functional significance of temperament characteristics especially under extreme demands. After several theoretical and empirical stages, the structure of temperament has been described by six following traits: briskness, perseverance, sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity, endurance and activity. Twin studies have demonstrated the contribution of nonshared environment and the genetic factor in determining individual differences in these traits. The location of RTT traits among dozens of other temperament and personality characteristics has been demonstrated by means of correlational and factor analytic studies. Finally, a theoretical model of the temperament—stress relationship has been presented as the basis for further studies aimed at examining the functional significance of temperamental characteristics as postulated by the RTT.
