A factor analysis of different temperament domains in a border region in rural Southern California

Abstract 

Background

Temperament has been described as an oligogenic model that confers attributes to individuals in their daily functioning. Understanding of these temperaments can help understanding psychiatric status and therapeutic needs of a patient population. As the Latino population grows providers need to become more familiar with their psychiatric status.

Objective

To describe how the characteristics of different temperament domains in a community vs a private practice clinic of patients being treated for a mood disorder.

Methodology

Retrospective record review was conducted in 117 patients with mood disorders who received the Temperament Scale (TEMPS). Forty nine were from a community clinic (CM) and 68 from a private practice (PP).

Results

The following temperament domains were found. In PP: depressed 17/69 (25%); cyclothymic 18/69 (26%); hyperthymic 16/69 (23%); anxious 14/68 (20%); irritable 4/69 (5%). Among CM: depressed 10/49 (20%); cyclothymic 14/49 (28%); hyperthymic 8/49 (16%); anxious 15/49 (30%); irritable 2/49 (5%). Using factor analysis to determine the significant domains among clinics, cyclothima (0.82) and irritability (0.81) were the most relevant, regardless of psychosocial background and language differences.

Limitations

Cross-sectional retrospective study without longitudinal follow up.

Conclusion

This study elucidates how temperament domains could be considered a valuable tool in evaluating patients in mood disorders clinic. The tool elucidates valuable characteristics that could be applied for guidance in diagnosis and treatment without being biased by different socio-cultural background or language differences. The factor analysis helps elucidate the pertinence of TEMPS scores that may not be the focus of clinical intervention although they contribute significantly to the structure of an individual's temperament, specifically emotional labiality (i.e., cyclothima and irritability).

Keywords: Temperament, Rural, Cyclothymia