What term describes the match between a child's temperament and environmental demands?

The term that describes the match between a child's temperament and environmental demands is "goodness of fit." This concept emphasizes the importance of how well the child's inherent traits and behaviors align with the expectations and requirements of their environment, such as parenting styles, social expectations, and cultural contexts. When there is a positive goodness of fit, children are more likely to thrive, as their needs are understood and met appropriately by caregivers and the environment.

A favorable goodness of fit can lead to better emotional regulation, social skills, and overall development. Conversely, when there is a poor fit, it can lead to frustration and stress for both the child and caregiver, potentially impacting the child's emotional and behavioral growth.

The other terms, while relevant in the broader context of child development, do not specifically capture this critical interaction between a child's temperament and the demands of their environment. Temperament refers to the individual differences in emotional and behavioral tendencies, but it does not encompass the relational aspect with environmental factors. Stranger wariness is a specific developmental stage where infants show apprehension toward unfamiliar people, and secure attachment refers to a strong, positive bond between a child and their caregiver. Neither term directly addresses the concept of matching temperament with environmental demands.