Some 1,800 years in the past, Greek doctor Galen recognized 4 varieties of temperament, which he based mostly on ranges of physique “humors” (fluids). All these years later, the names stay intact. We’ll overview them as we wrap-up our dialogue of temperament.
Right here’s a useful takeaway: character is basically about nurture, temperament is about nature.
We started our two-part collection on temperament final week.
Partially one we outlined it and reviewed its dimensions, in keeping with Hans Eysenck. And now it’s on to matters, similar to how temperament is shaped, its relationship with character, change potential, and, after all, the varieties of temperament.
Let’s roll…
What’s temperament?
We dealt with it partially one, but it surely’s vital to overview the definition of temperament. Based on the American Psychological Affiliation…
The fundamental basis of character, normally assumed to be biologically decided and current early in life, together with such traits as power stage, emotional responsiveness, demeanor, temper, response tempo, behavioral inhibition, and willingness to discover.
So we’re very a lot within the realm of the innate – nature – in addition to what I imagine is the “pure self.”
How is temperament shaped?
Proof of the innateness of temperament
Take into consideration infants earlier than the affect of environmental influences – say, new child to 4 weeks previous. Some are smiley, even-tempered, and most frequently waft. Others are fussy, cry steadily, and are tough to appease.
Except for anatomical or physiological points, I’ve at all times believed the distinction is temperament, which emphasizes its innateness.
Temperament is believed to be primarily pushed by genetics, which explains why these infants might have temperaments much like a mother or father or grandparent.
What’s the distinction between temperament and character?
There’s typically confusion on the subject of temperament and character, so let’s see what we are able to do to clear issues up.
As we did with temperament, right here’s the American Psycholigical Affiliation’s definition of character…
The enduring configuration of traits and habits that contains a person’s distinctive adjustment to life, together with main traits, pursuits, drives, values, self-concept, skills, and emotional patterns. Persona is usually considered as a posh, dynamic integration or totality formed by many forces, together with hereditary and constitutional tendencies; bodily maturation; early coaching; identification with vital people and teams; culturally conditioned values and roles; and demanding experiences and relationships. Numerous theories clarify the construction and growth of character in several methods, however all agree that character helps decide habits.
How’s that for thorough?
The variations
There’s an entire lot occurring within the character neck of the woods. Not solely will you discover temperament, which truly influences character growth, there are goodies related to a person’s traits and preferences, in addition to how they behave and work together with the world.
Partially one we realized that temperament has genetic hyperlinks and implementing vital adjustments isn’t an choice. Persona is far more alive – nevertheless, the change issue stays an issue – as a result of it develops and evolves as we age.
Right here’s a useful takeaway: character is basically about nurture, temperament is about nature.
What are the varieties of temperament?
Similar as they have been 1,800 years in the past
As talked about within the opening, the 4 varieties of temperament have been established by Greek doctor Galen some 1,800 years in the past. And he based mostly them upon physique humors (fluids), which have been believed to regulate temper, emotion, and habits.
The humors he chosen have been blood, yellow bile, phlegm, and black bile. Their sources so as – marrow, liver/gallbladder, lungs, and spleen.
Of notice, Galen continued the work of Hippocrates 600 years earlier.
Alright, listed here are the 4 varieties of temperament…
Sanguine
Humor: blood Supply: marrow
These with a sanguine temperament are usually extroverted, sociable, upbeat, and optimistic. They are often talkative and energetic, so social interactions typically come straightforward.
The traits that make them enjoyable to be round may generate impulsivity and indecisiveness. That opens the door to high-risk behaviors, which may embrace substance use issues.
Choleric
Humor: yellow bile Supply: liver/gall bladder
Folks with a choleric temperament are normally dominant, assertive. goal-oriented, and pushed. They’re excessive achievers at work, faculty, and play, and are sometimes chosen as leaders.
Given choleric of us are dominant, they are often impatient and cussed. They might even prioritize reaching their targets over creating social connections and relationships.
Phlegmatic
Humor: phlegm Supply: lungs
When encountering a phlegmatic particular person, easy-going is probably going the primary impression. They’re laid-back, empathetic, and reliable. They usually’re comfortable within the mundane and routine.
Phlemagtic folks present little emotion, which may come throughout as passive or unfeeling. They’ve a must keep away from battle in any respect prices, which will get in the way in which of asserting themselves – typically resulting in missed alternatives.
Melancholic
Humor: black bile Supply: spleen
Folks typically assume melancholic of us are joyless and unhappy. Which may be true; nevertheless, they’re additionally considerate and delicate. Add analytical and methodical to the combination and you’ll see why they’re helpful to any office.
On the opposite aspect of the coin, they like to work alone and won’t make one of the best crew gamers. Truth is, they typically get moody and anxious when issues aren’t going their means.
What about you?
So what do you assume? Are you able to nail down your temperament kind? I’ll lead – melancholic right here.
Now, it’s possible you’ll be questioning if one can have two temperament varieties. Positive, possibly traits of all 4. For instance, I can add sanguine as, let’s assume, a subtype. Simply take note, we current primarily as one kind.
Acceptance and self-respect
And that’s a wrap on the collection. Sure, that “means” about us – our temperament. As I stated in closing half one, its roots run deep. And because it’s genetically-driven, they weave their means via generations of household.
Lastly, we might not like our temperament, however there isn’t a lot we are able to do about it. That’s why acceptance and self-respect are so vital.
Make sure to learn half one to be taught extra about temperament, together with its dimensions.
Thanks Verywell Mnd in your article Temperaments: Which of the 4 Varieties Are You?, written by Toketemu Ohwovoriole. It supplied an abundance of high quality data. Similar goes to My Persona for his or her article Temperament and Petsonality: Key Variations & Similarities, written by Lisa Sparrow.
These Chipur data and inspiration articles: overview all the titles or by class under.
After a decades-long battle with panic, generalized nervousness, fluctuating moods, and alcohol dependence; Invoice lastly discovered his life’s ardour and work – lending a hand to these in the identical boat. At age 49 he hit grad faculty and earned his counseling credentials. And he continues his service via Chipur and different initiatives.
