Final answer:
A toddler's early extreme temperament may become less extreme with age, though their core temperament generally remains stable. Environmental factors and support play crucial roles in influencing how these traits evolve over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
When predicting the future behavior of a toddler who is either extremely inhibited or exuberant, one must consider the nature of temperament and developmental changes. Early temperament has been shown to have a biological basis, but it can be influenced over time by environmental factors and maturation. It is common for toddlers to express extreme emotions, but as they age, these emotions become less extreme and more regulated. Still, while an extremely inhibited or exuberant toddler may not be as extreme in these traits during later stages of life, it is overly simplistic to predict they will completely outgrow these traits or develop serious emotional problems solely based on their temperament as a toddler.
Thomas and Chess's research on temperament categorized children into three types: easy, difficult, or slow to warm up, indicating that these are far from fixed and will be shaped by interactions with their environment, including parenting styles and life experiences. So, while the child's core temperament may remain relatively stable, the extremes of their behaviors are likely to soften. Environmental factors such as parental responsiveness, life events, and social interactions play significant roles in how these temperamental traits manifest in behavior over time. It is essential to nurture a child's development with an understanding of their temperament and provide them with the support needed to grow into well-adjusted individuals.