In our conversations about individuals, we frequently refer to their “temperaments” to encapsulate their nature. We might describe someone as having a “pleasant temperament” or another as having an “unpleasant temperament.” However, it is crucial to understand that temperament merely constitutes a fraction of someone’s complex personality.
The Oxford dictionary defines temperament as the way in which an individual’s nature is exhibited through their actions and responses to various circumstances and people. Though this explanation holds truth, it barely touches upon the vast intricacies that contribute to a person’s distinctiveness.
Within the depths of your being lies a tapestry of innate behaviors and distinct personality traits that form your exquisite temperament. Like an ever-flowing stream, it manifests effortlessly in your daily encounters, leaving an emotional resonance that ripples through your life. This wondrous blend of temperament subtly orchestrates the symphony of your thoughts, shaping how you perceive and interact with the world.
Over time, experts have discerned four broad archetypes of temperament, yet it’s no rigid science, for some may find themselves resonating with multiple facets. As we embark on this voyage of self-discovery, we’ll uncover the enigmatic nature of these four primary temperaments, gently guiding you to a deeper understanding of your true essence. Embrace this journey, and you shall unveil the unique melody that defines the soulful tapestry of your being, finding serenity and oneness within yourself.
How Is Your Temperaments Formed?
Embrace the uniqueness of your temperament, my dear friend, for it is thought to be an inborn gift, deeply influenced by your genetic makeup. It’s quite intriguing how elements of our temperaments can echo through generations, like a beautiful thread connecting us to our ancestors. Scientific studies have revealed that approximately 20 to 60 percent of our temperament is orchestrated by our genetic code.
However, the symphony of our temperament isn’t solely directed by our genes. Rather, it dances to the tune of life experiences, particularly those delicate notes played during our childhood. A profound and even haunting example is when a soul endures the trials of growing up in an abusive family, finding themselves entangled in the haunting melody of melancholy as they traverse the path of life.
Related: What Is The Enneagram Of Personality?
Temperaments vs. Personality
Even though these two terms are frequently interchanged, they hold separate significances. Your temperament and personality are not one and the same, my dear friend.
As we traverse the path of life and embrace various experiences, our personality undergoes remarkable transformations. It is not uncommon to witness a reserved and introspective child metamorphosing into a self-assured and sociable adult. Intriguingly, research indicates distinctive patterns in personality traits as we progress through different life stages. For instance, in the context of the United States, feelings of neuroticism and extraversion tend to wane with time, while agreeableness tends to flourish as we amass a wealth of life experiences. Additionally, our conscientiousness and sense of duty witness an upward surge until middle age, whereafter they might gradually taper off during our later years.
Types of Temperaments
Researchers and academics have focused on four main temperaments types for decades. There are four main temperaments theories that have been around for a very long time. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates made the initial suggestion that a person’s conduct is determined by four body humors. Galen’s classifications, which are still in use today, are based on his notion of body humors.
A community’s distribution of temperament types is influenced by elements like culture, age, and gender. The following are the four main temperamental types:
Sanguine Temperament
People characterized as sanguine are typically extroverted and sociable, radiating positivity like a warm, glowing sun. They embrace life with a glass-half-full attitude, spreading cheer wherever they go, often the life of the party, and never lingering on the sidelines. Social interactions are their forte, and conversations with them are a burst of energy and enthusiasm.
Yet, the very same qualities that make them delightful companions can also lead to occasional impulsiveness and difficulty making decisions. Their spontaneous nature drives them to seek thrills and excitement, occasionally leading down a path of risky behaviors, and in severe cases, experimenting with substances.
Choleric Temperament
People that have Choleric Temperament tendencies are dominating and forceful. Those with this temperament are motivated and goal-oriented. They excel in job, education, or even sports, and are frequently chosen as team captains.
Choleric Temperament persons, unlike sanguines, are resolute but can also be irritable and stubborn. They could put reaching predetermined goals ahead of developing vital interpersonal ties and connections.
Phlegmatic Temperament
The first thing that comes to mind when meeting a Phlegmatic Temperament person is likely to be “laid-back.” They are laid-back individuals who frequently exhibit strong empathy when interacting with others. They are trustworthy and tolerant individuals who take solace in the everyday and ordinary.
Phlemagtic people exhibit minimal emotion, which during social interactions might come across as inert or heartless. They may lose out on opportunities because they are unable to exert themselves due to their need to avoid conflict at all costs.
Melancholic Temperament
Oftentimes, Melancholic Temperament is mistaken for joyless or depressed, although this temperament encompasses so much more. Thoughtful and sensitive, gloomy folks are also reserved. A vital asset to any business, they can also be analytical and methodical, especially when working. On the other hand, they favor working alone and may not be the best team players. When events don’t go their way, they become irritable and anxious.
Related: HEXACO Personality Test: History, Facets, Benefits, Drawbacks
How Do I Know My Temperaments?
Within the expansive realm of the internet, lie countless self-assessment tools, eager to reveal the intricacies of your temperament. But venture forth with caution, for not all that glitters is gold. Some of these tools may lead astray, providing unreliable results. To unlock their true potential, one must possess the gift of self-awareness and respond to the queries with unabashed honesty. Beware of the ever-shifting tides of emotions, which could subtly sway your answers and transform the outcomes. Thus, let kindness be your companion on this journey, as you embrace your innermost feelings while embarking on these soul-searching assessments.
Numerous self-evaluation tools to assist you identify your temperament are abundant on the internet. However, when use these instruments, caution must be taken. People frequently need to be self-aware enough to answer the questions in these self-assessment tests honestly, as many of them may not yield reliable findings. Your answers could be skewed by elements like your mood or mental condition, which would change the outcome.
Can Someone Have Two Temperaments?
Individuals who are diverse and complicated are humans. Nobody can be categorised neatly into just one category. However, you are probably going to show characteristics that are largely connected with one style; this could be referred to as your dominant temperaments. Additionally, you can exhibit less common temperament related behaviors.
For instance, a person may display behaviors that are melancholy, stoic, and restrained, which are typical of melancholic people, but they can also be dominant and aggressive, which are typical of choleric people.
Can Temperaments Change?
According to the hypotheses that underlie temperaments patterns, they are innate and often affected by outside circumstances like upbringing and family history. However, it’s common to wish you could modify some personality features that are connected to particular temperaments.
Certain individuals, due to their specific personalities, may be more vulnerable to adopting detrimental habits that require attention and management. If you often find yourself becoming easily enraged, consider seeking support through anger management sessions. Embrace the understanding that seeking help to handle your emotions in a healthier manner is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
