Children's Personality Set by Pre-School Level?

MSNBC on line has an article titled Personality May Be Set by Preschool by Linda Carroll, which presents some interesting information concerning personality development. This longitudinal study, spanning 19 years, followed 103 children from age 4 to their early 20s. Within the study, children were divided between three personality categories: undercontrolled (shy), overcontrolled (aggressive) and resilient (balanced). Over the years children in the study developed skills to allow their behavior to be socially acceptable; however, their personality essentially remained the same.

As with may studies, there is room for critics to question why other factors weren't included in the research. I think the study has value in that it provides insights over time and offers notes for parents and teachers to help children cope with pitfalls in life regardless the personality type. The one caution I have is that we take care when labeling children along personality lines. Often do so has damaging effects on children.