Final Answer:
According to the longitudinal study, the 15 percent most inhibited boys and girls at age 4 to 6 years who were rated as inhibited by their parents A) Remained inhibited into adolescence. (Option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The findings of the longitudinal study suggest that the 15 percent most inhibited boys and girls at ages 4 to 6, as identified by parental ratings, maintained their inhibited tendencies into adolescence. Longitudinal studies involve observing the same subjects over an extended period, allowing researchers to track developmental patterns. In this case, the consistency of inhibition from early childhood to adolescence highlights a stable behavioral trait in a subgroup of individuals.
The result aligns with the concept of behavioral stability, indicating that certain temperamental traits, such as inhibition, can persist across different developmental stages. Factors like genetics, environmental influences, and individual differences may contribute to the stability of these traits over time. Understanding the continuity of inhibition from early childhood to adolescence provides valuable insights into the predictability of certain behavioral patterns and helps inform interventions or support strategies for individuals with persistent inhibitory tendencies.
While some level of variability in behavior is expected, the longitudinal study's conclusion underscores the enduring nature of inhibition in a specific subgroup. This knowledge is significant for parents, educators, and mental health professionals, as it contributes to a better understanding of the developmental trajectories of inhibited behaviors and facilitates targeted approaches to support individuals who exhibit prolonged inhibitory tendencies.(Option A)