Impulsive and rigid temperament subtypes and executive functioning: An exploratory study of temperament configurations and neuropsychological performance

The aim of this study was to explore differences between the executive performance profiles in second order temperament trait configurations consisted of levels of harm avoidance (HA) and novelty seeking (NS). These trait configurations yield the impulsive temperament subtype (high NS and low HA) and the rigid temperament subtype (high HA and low NS). Participants were categorised into the two a priori defined groups according to their scores on NS and HA. The performance and reaction time scores on the computerised Abstract Reasoning and Executive Functioning battery (PennCNP) of the impulsive temperament subtype (n = 121) and the rigid temperament subtype (n= 131) were compared. The results indicate that the rigid temperament subtype reacted slower to both complex (executive functioning) and less complex tasks (attention and working memory) than the impulsive temperament subtype. However, on the single verbal task, no significant performance or reaction time differences were observed. In a simpler timed task, no overall differences were found, but significant reaction time differences were found in a forced choice complex task. Significant differences were maintained with analyses of intelligence and parental education as covariates. The results are discussed in the context of dynamic interaction of temperament dispositions and effortful self-regulation.