Nursery World - Adult behaviour 'can be forecast at three'

The character traits of a child at the age of three are good indicators of the type of person they will be in later life, according to researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College, London. Their report, called Children's behavioural styles at age three are linked to their adult personality traits at 26, published last week, was based on a study of 1,000 people and revealed a significant connection between their behaviour as children and their adult personalities.

Their report, called Children's behavioural styles at age three are linked to their adult personality traits at 26, published last week, was based on a study of 1,000 people and revealed a significant connection between their behaviour as children and their adult personalities.

Researchers interviewed the children at the age of three and scored their character traits in general categories, such as ability to concentrate and shyness.

The people were re-interviewed 23 years later and the results compared. In many cases the 26-year-olds displayed the same traits as they did when they were toddlers.

The 28 per cent who were described as 'confident' children with an outgoing approach at the age of three, continued to be extrovert at the age of 26.

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