TYPES OF HUMAN TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTERISTICS - PSYCHOLOGY - 2024

There are different types of temperament that can be observed practically from when we are born. Temperament is defined as the emotional nature of each person, mainly encompassing energy level, mood, and sensitivity to stimulation.

The temperament is made up of those individual characteristics that are general and stable, remaining throughout our lives. There are personality traits that can evolve a lot over the years, but temperament is the most resistant to experiences.

If you spend a lot of time with babies or have children, you probably understand what temperament means. You will have seen that, from birth, there are different types of temperaments.

Some babies are more "difficult to carry", are more demanding or cry easily. On the other hand, others are more calm and flexible when faced with new situations. This is perceived within a few weeks after birth, and is considered an early sign of what the personality is going to be like.

It is important to mention that personality is built in later stages of life, and is made up of temperament as well as character and behavior. The latter is formed by lived experiences, the way we have been educated, the habits we have learned, etc.

Character differs from temperament in that the former is acquired and can be modified and controlled.

What is temperament?

Temperament can be defined by a number of characteristics:

- It is innate and is inherited from the family.

- It cannot be modified, since it has a genetic origin.

- It cannot be changed due to environmental influences.

- It is something biological, therefore, it cannot be re-educated.

- It manifests itself involuntarily, and is very difficult to control.

Thus, it can be said that temperament is the raw material on which character, behaviors and personality are based. In fact, there are authors who defend that 50% of the variants in the human personality are defined by genetic factors.

Types of temperament in humans

The famous Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) was the pioneer in the study of types of temperament. His study of temperament has been extensively researched and used as a diagnostic tool in psychology and psychiatry.

His famous classification is divided into 4 types of temperaments in which all individuals can be pigeonholed, except for people with serious psychopathologies.

However, it seems to be more correct to say that each person possesses one degree of each of these four types. There will be people who have higher levels of one temperament than another, and others that the difference is not so marked.

In turn, the four types of temperament fall into two categories: extroverts and introverts. These are:

- Types of extroverted temperaments

Choleric temperament

They are restless, active, excitable and impulsive individuals. They are usually ambitious and have a good capacity to become leaders. They are also characterized by being very sure of themselves, and tirelessly pursuing their goals.

On the other hand, they are not very sensitive to the needs or feelings of others. They can become dominant, controlling, and aggressive.

Blood temperament

They are very sociable people who enjoy the company of others. They stand out for being talkative, cheerful, creative, carefree and carefree. Like cholerics, they are very active and nervous, although they are more flexible, optimistic and sensitive to stimuli.

They tolerate risk very well and reject boredom, so they tend to abandon the routine, looking for adventure and emotions. These people are prone to seek pleasure and new sensations.

- Introverted temperaments

Phlegmatic temperament

These people are very calm and relaxed. They like to act unhurried and take their time to get things done. They do not like changes or unforeseen events and prefer to follow a fixed routine.

Additionally, these individuals enjoy close relationships. They are faithful and loving, and they greatly value the company of their loved ones; they always mediate to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. They feel good helping others.

Melancholic temperament

They are introverted and thoughtful individuals. They are independent and have a great capacity to think about difficult and profound topics. They can spot creative solutions to problems with ease.

Many of them are very creative and develop important tasks in art, literature, music, etc. They have a great ability for introspection.

They tend to see the most negative parts of things, and they can worry greatly about the cruelty and tragedies that happen in the world. This is because they are very sensitive individuals, who can feel hurt easily.

These people are less sociable, calm, organized, reserved, and serious. They tend to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Combinations of temperaments

It is rare that a person fits completely into one of the types of temperaments mentioned. Usually we present a combination of some of them.

That is why another classification has been established that is composed of the union of the types of temperament: the most predominant or primary temperament and the second most predominant or secondary temperament.

According to this classification, the name of the primary temperament should appear first and the name of the secondary one after.

Bloodline

- Sanguineous- Choleric: it is the most outgoing type of temperament. They love to interact with others and are cheerful and talkative. However, they may talk too much, be clueless or disorganized, or hurt others without realizing it.

They may always be ready to take on new challenges and start adventures, but they don't always finish what they start.

These people are often in a good mood and affectionate towards others, as well as having leadership skills, so their social relationships are very good. It is common for them to have many friends and are the center of attention.

- Blood-Melancholic: these individuals are characterized by being very emotional. Their mood often swings rapidly from joy to sadness. They are perfectionists, empathic, and sociable.

However, they can be touchy, depressive, and critical. They worry about being accepted by others and they like to have their achievements recognized. If they are not sure that they will achieve their goals, they are afraid to take the step and act.

- Sanguineous-Phlegmatic: the overwhelming nature of the sanguine is attenuated by the phlegmatic part of these individuals. They are happy, carefree and love to help others because of their great empathy.

These people are charismatic and friendly, and they have the ability to make others laugh. However, they are poorly disciplined and lack seriousness to do certain tasks.

They are very expressive and have great social skills, but often lack motivation for work. What they like the most is getting along with others and spending time in company.

Choleric

- Choleric-Sanguineous: it is the second most outgoing type. She is an active, brave and energetic person. They are hard-working and involved, but at the same time their impulsiveness can lead them to have strong attacks of anger.

It is defined as very self-confident and impatient, and can be hostile. Your priority is to achieve your goals. You can become a great leader because of your ability to motivate and influence others.

- Choleric- Melancholic: they are characterized by being hard-working, determined, industrious and meticulous. They are competitive and perfectionist people who pay great attention to detail. They can become very demanding of themselves and spend a lot of time at work to be satisfied with the result.

They have difficulty relating to others because of their hostility, sarcasm, and high demands. These individuals tend to seek power and control over others.

However, they are good at carrying out efficient and well planned projects.

- Choleric- Phlegmatic: This way of being is not very frequent, since it combines opposite temperaments. They are organized, capable people with clear and independent goals. At the same time, they can be stubborn and have a hard time admitting their mistakes. They tend to keep their pain and weaknesses a secret.

They are good at making quick, important decisions with serious consequences while staying calm. Many times they are torn between rest and work.

Phlegmatic

- Phlegmatic- Sanguineous: they are nice, diplomatic and collaborative people. They can be trusted, although they tend to waste time and are poorly disciplined. They are usually lonely, fearful, and insecure.

They have a great capacity for introspection and reflection, being individuals of easy treatment and a good disposition to help others. They tend to conform to the preferences of others and get along with practically everyone they meet.

- Phlegmatic- Choleric: he is the most active introvert. He is very good at listening and advising others. They are loyal, patient and honest people. Although somewhat inflexible, fearful and passive.

They are usually very psychologically balanced, and they are not very emotional. They approach things realistically, and have the ability to achieve goals with minimal effort.

- Phlegmatic- Melancholic: It is characterized by its patience, simplicity and thoroughness. They are very calm, personable and trustworthy individuals. They can be the combination that manifests the most apathy towards others.

They can see things in the most objective, impartial and skeptical way. However, they are somewhat fearful, selfish, pessimistic and critical.

Melancholic

- Melancholic- Bloodthirsty: they get along well with others, but are insecure. They are sensitive people, art lovers, analytical and good students.

They are more flexible, friendly and cheerful than the melancholic. They hate hurting others, and they get excited quickly. However, in times of crisis they can crash or collapse.

Their mood is varied, they are very critical and idealistic. This great idealism can make them impractical. They like to do things correctly and get out of the routine from time to time.

- Melancholic-Choleric: they are good leaders, very authentic, perfectionists and with great initiative. These individuals go far and can develop great projects.

They are organized, ethical and keep their angry side in check. However, they are somewhat difficult to please, pessimistic, depressive, critical and can be extremely meticulous.

- Melancholic-Phlegmatic: this is the most thoughtful combination of all. They are very efficient people due to their competitiveness and talent. They get along well with others, they are perfectionists, orderly and docile.

On the other hand, they can be somewhat inflexible, fear change, and easily discouraged by their pessimism. They tend to be somewhat anxious, spiteful and stubborn.

References

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4. Melancholic Temperament - Choleric. (sf). Retrieved on April 19, 2017, from The 4 temperaments of the human being: los4temperamentos.blogspot.com.es.
5. Types of temperament. (August 14, 2013). Obtained from Creadess: creadess.org.
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