Temperaments

A person’s temperament is the first personality disposition a person acquires in childhood, with preference for one temperament manifesting as early as birth, but may later change or solidify or nuance during the development years of an individual. Later, this temperament is manifested and translated through the formation of other personality aspects measured by other systems.

There are four temperaments: Melancholic, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Sanguine. Each individual possesses all four of them, but in varying degrees of dominance. When measuring a person’s temperament, we look for the two temperaments—or the one temperament—that create the person’s disposition. This is because a person has a main temperament that may be affected by the influence of another temperament, such as Melancholic-Choleric, Phlegmatic-Sanguine, Choleric-Melancholic, and Sanguine-Phlegmatic. When one has no temperament influencing their primary one, they have what is called a dominant temperament type, such as Melancholic [Dominant], Phlegmatic [Dominant], Choleric [Dominant], or Sanguine [Dominant].

Melancholic

They are analytical, introspective, creative, imaginative, independent, cautious, and brooding. Their demeanor is introverted, reflective, and detail-oriented. They can be moody and pessimistic. They want to do things perfectly.

Sanguine

They are whimsical, charming, charismatic, funny, pleasant, lively, amicable, and outgoing. They have an extraverted demeanor and are enthusiastic and energetic. They can be impulsive and self-absorbed. They want social acceptance.

Phlegmatic

They are calm, composed, friendly, relaxed, diplomatic, routine-oriented, curious, rational, and peaceful. Their demeanor is quiet, accommodating, and stable. They can be lazy and stubborn. They want to fulfill needs.

Choleric

They are assertive, driven, strategic, practical, ambitious, leader-like, problem-solving, and efficient. They have a dominant demeanor, quiet but extraverted. They can be aggressive and rude. They want to get results.

History:

The concept of temperament dates back to Ancient Greece, where Hippocrates and later Galen proposed that human behaviors and emotions were influenced by four bodily fluids, or humors: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. This theory led to the identification of four temperaments: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic.

Over time, it became evident that individuals often exhibit characteristics of multiple temperaments, leading to the idea of temperament blends. This perspective acknowledges that a person’s personality may be a combination of two or more temperaments, resulting in unique behavioral patterns. For instance, someone might display traits of both Choleric and Sanguine temperaments, leading to a distinct blend that influences their interactions and responses.