Temperament – how much does it define our personality?

Temperament, choleric, phlegmatic – these are words commonly used, not always according to their definition. In this short article, we will consider what temperament really is, how much it defines our personality and what types of temperament are.

Temperament – what is it?

Temperament according to the definition of psychologists, it is itself a set of personality traits that are manifested already in a very young child (in the first year of life). They are hereditary and form a kind of foundation on which the whole personality of a child will be built and shaped. In this situation, its importance cannot be overestimated, and it is no wonder that it has aroused the interest of researchers for centuries. Already Hippocrates in the XNUMXth century BC noticed that people are characterized by different types of personality and his descriptions, along with the names of Galen, still form the basis of the classification of various types of temperaments. In turn, Ivan Pavlov believed that temper corresponds to various types of nervous system, applying them to the classification of Hippocrates.

Types of temperament

To this day, a commonly functioning classification types of temperament is the Hippocrates-Galen classification. At the turn of the years, many researchers created psychotests to determine type of temperament every human. There are four basic types of people: phlegmatic, choleric, sanguine, and melancholic. Hippocrates and Galen different types of temperaments they connected with the various internal “juices” of man, and Galen gave names to the individual from the names of these “juices” types of temperaments.

Choleric – choleric temperament

The name comes from Latin. “Chole” or “bile”. According to Pavlov spitfire it has a strong but unbalanced nervous system. This type of temperamentwho is characterized by impetuosity. Cholerics they are energetic, impatient people, needing to act above all else. Due to their impatience, they are often lacking in forbearance. They are impulsive people who often devote themselves entirely to their passions, and above all they are annoyed by downtime, stagnation, slow actions or unresolved issues. Cholerics they are very committed to what they do, often express it with their whole body, speak loudly and emphatically, and gesticulate. No wonder this one compares temper with the element of fire. They are born leaders, great group leaders.

Sanguine – sanguine temperament

The Latin “sanguis” means “blood”. In Pavlov’s classification, this type of nervous system is also strong, but unlike choleric, he is balanced but mobile. Sangwinicy They are also people who like to act, and their driving force is emotions. Usually, however, they are cheerful and sociable, smiling, and they arouse common sympathy. This type of temperament is often desired. Sangwinicy thanks to openness, they are usually creative and like to act when something interests them, not being afraid of bold ideas and new challenges. Therefore sangwinicy they cope well in stressful situations. However, they have problems with being systematic. Ago temperament attributed to the element of air.

Phlegmatic – phlegmatic temperament

The name comes from Latin. «Phlegma». Pavlov describes his nervous system as strong and balanced, but unlike the sanguine, definitely inert. People with it kind of temperament they prefer to think things over carefully and analyze them before they decide to do something. However, they are often characterized by accuracy and meticulousness, as well as the ability to closely observe and draw conclusions. Their good side is understanding and patience, and the ability to adapt to others. They do not like sudden changes, life phlegmatic it is usually structured and based on an established routine. As an element, they are compared to water.

Melancholic – melancholic temperament

The name comes from Latin. «Molasses chole» – black bile. The nervous system is weak according to Pavlov, and the element is earth. Melancholicy they often live in their own world, they are closed people, loners, but at the same time very sensitive to the feelings of others and empathetic. This type of temperament unfortunately it makes people prone to depression and mood swings. Melancholicy through strongly developed empathy, as very sensitive people, they often worry about the misfortunes and problems of others, even if they do not concern themselves. People about it type of temperament they often engage in social activities and help others, although they do not like working in a group and prefer to rely on themselves. Melancholicy have a problem with establishing new relationships, but if they establish a close relationship with someone, they are characterized by constancy and fidelity.

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