Temperament

Temperament refers to the biologically based individual differences in emotional, attentional, and behavioral reactivity and self-regulation that are evident early in life, are relatively stable over time, and form the foundation of personality. Temperament shapes how individuals perceive, experience, and respond to their environments, including how they cope with stress, adapt to traumatic events, and regulate emotions. emperament significantly influences coping mechanisms, emotional recovery, and risk of psychopathology following traumatic events, such as car accidents or natural disasters.

Source: Thomas, A., & Chess, S. (1977). Temperament and development. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Strelau, J. (2001). Temperament: A psychological perspective. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.