Korean Journal of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회지)

Korean Association of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회)
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3, 4, 5 Year-old Children's Beliefs about Trait Stability Based on Trait Type and Valence

3, 4, 5세 유아의 특질 유형과 정서가에 따른 특질 안정성에 대한 믿음

  • Lee, Jeong-Hyeon (Dept. of Child Development & Family Studies, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yi, Soon-Hyung (Dept. of Child Development & Family Studies, Seoul National University)
  • 이정현 (서울대학교 아동가족학과) ;
  • 이순형 (서울대학교 아동가족학과)
  • Received : 2011.12.22
  • Accepted : 2012.01.13
  • Published : 2012.02.29
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Abstract

This study examined young children's beliefs about trait stability based on trait type and valence. Participants included 120 children (40 three-year-olds, 40 four-year-olds, and 40 five-year olds) recruited from 3 day-care-centers and 1 kindergarten in Seoul and Kyung-Ki province. Results revealed that young children's understanding of traits differed based on trait type and valence. Children demonstrated a strong belief that social-intention traits are more stable and harder to change when compared to internal-state traits. Young children's beliefs on trait stability were also strongly influenced by trait valence. They believed that negative traits are more likely to change for the better while positive traits have greater stability and are less likely to change over time.

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