Early experience, genotype, and temperament in Musmusculus.

Abstract

Each of 4 strains of inbred mice was divided into an experimental group, exposed to noxious, infantile stimulation, and a control group. Effects of treatment were assessed at 30 days by an open-field measure of emotionality and motility, at 70 days by a stovepipe measure of timidity, and at 100 days by the open-field measure. Significant strain differences were observed in all measures; experimental Ss were more emotional and less motile at 30 days and more timid at 70 days than control Ss. 3 of 5 tests for interaction between genetic (strain) and ontogenetic (infantile treatment) factors were significant. These results are unambiguous concerning the importance of genotype and infantile trauma as determinants of mouse temperament. (25 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)