The main personality traits include: temperament and character. Temperament is determined by type nervous system and reflects predominantly innate behavioral characteristics. Temperament expresses a person's attitude to the events occurring around him.
Any person must constantly take into account the temperamental characteristics of the people with whom he has to work and communicate. This is necessary for effective interaction with them, reducing the likelihood of occurrence conflict situations, avoiding possible stress. There are no better or worse temperaments. Therefore, efforts when contacting a person should not be aimed at correcting him, but at the competent use of the virtues and advantages of temperament while simultaneously neutralizing negative manifestations.
The earliest classification of temperament types was developed in the 2nd century BC. Roman physician Claudius Galen. In this typology, there are four main types: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic and melancholic. As a rule, we should talk about the predominance of certain temperament traits, the relationship of temperaments, and their percentage in a person. In their “pure form,” individual types of temperament are rare. However, let us characterize the “pure” types of temperaments.
Choleric.
Characterized by increased excitability, actions are intermittent. He is characterized by sharpness and swiftness of movements, strength, impulsiveness, and vivid expression of emotional experiences. Due to imbalance, carried away by a task, he tends to act with all his might and become more exhausted than he should. Having public interests, his temperament shows initiative, energy, and integrity. In the absence of spiritual life, choleric temperament often manifests itself in irritability, affectivity, incontinence, hot temper, and inability to self-control under emotional circumstances.
Sanguine.
Quickly adapts to new conditions, quickly gets along with people, and is sociable. Feelings arise and change easily, emotional experiences, as a rule, shallow. Facial expressions are rich, mobile, expressive. He is somewhat restless, needs new impressions, does not regulate his impulses sufficiently, and does not know how to strictly adhere to the established routine of life or work system. In this regard, he cannot successfully carry out work that requires an equal expenditure of effort, prolonged and methodical tension, perseverance, stability of attention, and patience. In the absence of serious goals, deep thoughts, creative activity superficiality and inconstancy are developed.
Phlegmatic person.
It is characterized by a relatively low level of behavioral activity, new forms of which are developed slowly, but are persistent. Possesses slowness and calmness in actions, facial expressions and speech, evenness, constancy, depth of feelings and moods. Persistent and stubborn, he rarely loses his temper, is not prone to emotions, calculating his strength, brings things to the end, is even in relationships, moderately sociable, and does not like to chat in vain. Saves energy and doesn’t waste it. Depending on the conditions, in some cases a phlegmatic person may be characterized by “positive” traits - endurance, depth of thoughts, constancy, thoroughness, in others - lethargy, indifference to the environment, laziness and lack of will, poverty and weakness of emotions, a tendency to perform only habitual actions.
Melancholic.
His reaction often does not correspond to the strength of the stimulus; there is depth and stability of feelings with weak expression. It is difficult for him to concentrate on anything for a long time. Strong influences often cause a prolonged inhibitory reaction in melancholic people (“give up”). He is characterized by restraint and muted speech and movements, shyness, timidity, and indecisiveness. IN normal conditions melancholic is a deep, meaningful person who can be a good worker and successfully cope with life’s tasks. At unfavorable conditions can turn into a closed, fearful, anxious, vulnerable person, prone to difficult internal experiences of life circumstances that do not deserve it.
More detailed information you can find about the types of temperament on the pages of the Panopticon
The famous cartoonist H. Bidstrup once depicted the reaction of four people to the same incident: someone accidentally sat on the hat of a man resting on a bench. The result: the choleric person became furious, the sanguine person laughed, the melancholic person became terribly upset, and the phlegmatic person calmly put his hat on his head.
Instructions.
You are offered a set of personality traits one by one (80 questions). Answer positively (“Yes”) if this quality really manifests itself in you. Otherwise, select the answer "No". Answer quickly, without hesitation, as the first reaction is important.
The test result is the percentage of the types of temperament present in you.
The combination of naturally interconnected temperament traits is called a temperament type. In psychology, the typology of Hippocrates - Galen is traditionally used, distinguishing sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic and melancholic.
Giving psychological characteristics temperament types, it should be remembered that this division is conditional. Typical for each type are its extreme poles and the relationship between various features. In the same time "clean" temperaments almost never happen in life. Most people combine traits of different temperaments, especially pronounced after the child masters orally, that is, after 2-2.5 years. Also, one should not talk about “good” or “bad” temperaments: in each type there are both strong and weak sides.
Sanguines
sanguine people- these are people who have a strong, balanced and mobile nervous system. They are active, sociable, and easily adapt to new conditions. Sociable, quickly understands people, easily establishes relationships with them a good relationship. Among friends they are cheerful, cheerful, optimistic. By orientation - extroverts.
Kant called sanguine people people of a cheerful disposition, carefree and full of hope, who always hope for success. In his opinion, they are bad debtors; they promise so, but do not keep their word.
Sanguine people are emotional, with expressive facial expressions and pantomime that is easy to control. They speak loudly, clearly, quickly, with the correct intonations. During the conversation they actively gesticulate and laugh loudly. Feelings arise very easily, change just as easily and are, as a rule, shallow. Today they are joyful, carefree and passionately in love, tomorrow they are sad, worried and may forget about their passionate love. However, in general, successes and troubles are easily experienced and therefore sanguine people have a predominant good mood and a well-developed sense of humor.
Sanguine people willingly take on new business, but their activities are productive only when the work captivates them. If the work is not interesting, the work is monotonous, they abandon the task without finishing it. During work, they easily switch their attention, but devote little time to preliminary and control actions (for example, preparation for work, corrections, additions, etc.). They rarely plan their work, and even if there is a plan, they do not strictly follow it, and are often distracted by trifles. Sanguine people easily grasp everything new, but their interests are weak, changeable and constantly require new impressions.
So, for the sanguine person strong point is that they are cheerful, quickly learn new material, “grabbing” it “on the fly.” They are suitable for dealing with strong and unexpected stimuli. During important competitions, they show higher results than during study and training. Weak side is that they overestimate themselves and their capabilities, are often distracted from the main task, are not focused enough, their interests and feelings are unstable, they can be frivolous and superficial. Sanguine people cannot perform work for a long time that requires perseverance, sustained attention and patience. Due to the speed of action, mistakes can be made. Therefore, they should be instilled with perseverance and concentration, and maintain a steady interest in the matter.
When communicating with sanguine people, we can recommend the following. The requirements for them should be maximum, but fair. You should show trust in them and let them out. internal energy, directing to useful things. It is inappropriate to assign monotonous work, because sanguine people get tired of it, but the work started must be taught to be completed to the end. You can use additional motivation for this. It is advisable to cultivate patience and determination, to teach to value friendship.
Cholerics
Cholerics are strong, active and unbalanced people with a predominance of excitation over inhibition. characteristic of them high level activity, energy and perseverance. By orientation - extroverts. They love to be the center of attention. Conflict and unyielding in communication. They can be impatient, unrestrained, and quick-tempered. In relationships with others they can be harsh and overly straightforward; they lack endurance. However, there is no hatred in their anger, and they love others the more the faster they give in to them.
Kant writes that choleric people willingly become bosses who do not like to work themselves, but only to manage.
These are emotionally unstable people. Emotions and feelings arise quickly, but they can disappear just as quickly. The expression is pronounced. Speech is hasty, intermittent, tense. Lively facial expressions, expressive gestures, sharp and energetic movements. They experience their joys, pains, and sorrows deeply. They are often influenced by strong passions and... In such a state, they may act rashly, which they will regret later.
Cholerics are characterized by cyclical behavior: they can work hard, overcoming difficulties, and suddenly give up everything. This is facilitated by a rapid change of interests. If the interests are serious, they can be energetic, proactive, principled, capable of high concentration of attention. If there is no interest, they demonstrate affective feelings, irritability and lack of restraint. Just like sanguine people, they devote little time to preliminary and control actions and rarely plan their work.
So, the strength of choleric people is that they easily concentrate their attention, especially in a stressful situation, they are active, fast, and energetic. They can work with strong stimuli, in particular in unpredictable situations.
In conditions of competition and competition, they improve their results. They have organizational skills. They have the ability to easily form skills and habits. The weak side is their tendency to violate discipline and conflict, as well as lack of restraint, harshness, affectivity, and weakness of self-control in emotional situations. Due to the speed of actions, mistakes can be made.
When working with choleric people, it is recommended to engage them in interesting activities and give them instructions; teach to be restrained; accustom to more calm and uniform work; guide their activities in the right direction. When communicating with choleric people, you should use their energy rationally, not inhibit their activity in the form of direct prohibitions, and communicate calmly and confidently. If this is a child, do not punish under any circumstances by prohibiting her activity (for example, wait, sit). Due to the tendency of choleric people to aggression, cultivate empathy.
Phlegmatic people
Phlegmatic people are strong, balanced and inert. Low activity level of behavior, slow, assiduous, calm, reserved, persistent, soft. Remain calm even in difficult times life situations. React adequately to impact external environment However, they cannot quickly respond to changes in the environment; they are characterized by the same attitude towards others, sociability, but low sociability. By orientation - introverts.
Kant noted that in Everyday life a phlegmatic person is often called a philosopher.
Feelings arise slowly, but are distinguished by strength, depth, constancy, duration and restraint in external manifestations. They are patient and rarely complain. Not influenced. Taciturn, speech is slow, calm, with pauses. The voice is quiet, expressionless. Gesticulation and facial expressions are very poor. They know how to control their emotions. Therefore, it is difficult to anger them and they rarely lose their temper.
Phlegmatic people are not inclined to change their environment or to frequently move from one job to another. They show seriousness, thoughtfulness, and perseverance in their activities. They work with concentration and always get things done. Tasks are completed evenly and accurately, new information is learned slowly, but thoroughly and for a long time.
Characterized by sustainable interests. The work is planned and strictly adhered to. Before making a decision, he will think about it for a long time. They have stable attention, but its switching is somewhat slow.
So, the strengths of phlegmatic people are their discipline, stability, regularity and systematicity in work, endurance, and punctuality. The weak point is slowness of action, inertia, lethargy, external indifference, poor attention switching. They are often late in submitting work, and their stereotypes are difficult to change. Phlegmatic people are also not suitable for working with strong and unexpected stimuli.
Phlegmatic people are recommended to be given more time to complete certain tasks, and they should switch from one habitual action to another gradually. You can give additional instructions about the work they perform, avoiding assignments associated with a high pace of activity. Under no circumstances should you complain about slowness and incompetence. Welcome every manifestation of initiative and independence. It is advisable to stimulate the manifestation of sincere feelings.
Melancholic people
Melancholic people are characterized by a weak, unstable and inert nervous system. Low level of activity, reserved, experiencing fear of a new situation. When they find themselves in new conditions, they become lost. Therefore, it is difficult to tolerate a change of environment. They are closed, shy, indecisive, timid, and avoid communicating with unfamiliar people. They do not like new acquaintances and noisy companies. They are introverts by orientation.
Kant called melancholic people people with a very gloomy character, who first of all pay attention to life's difficulties.
Melancholic people are very impressionable people, they often get offended; their feelings are characterized by the slowness of their flow. They deeply experience any event in life, especially images and failures, however, unlike choleric people, they carry their grief within themselves, without outwardly showing their experiences. The movements of melancholic people are restrained, speech is slowed down, quiet, sometimes turns into a whisper. Constant in their affections. If they love someone, then the breakup is a great tragedy for them. They will suffer, but they will not decide to take this or that action. Long and strong tension, as well as everything new and unusual causes a slow reaction, and then its cessation. However, in a familiar and calm environment they feel good and work productively. They are planning their work. At the same time, decisions are made carefully. A lot of time is spent on preliminary and control actions (for example, preparation for work, corrections, additions, etc.). While working, their attention is easily distracted and focuses only for a short time. They have stable, strongly expressed interests that change slowly.
So, the strength of melancholic people is their empathy and understanding of the problems of other people. They are “deep” and stable in their feelings, capable of capturing details that are inaccessible to other people. They do monotonous work well. The weakness of melancholic people is their excessive impressionability, immersion in their own experiences, shyness, isolation, aloofness, slowness, and fatigue. They have a hard time withstanding strong and unexpected stimuli. During competitions they show the worst results. Melancholic people, as well as phlegmatic people, should be given more time to complete certain tasks. they need a calm, favorable environment, tact, responsiveness and goodwill in relationships, a gradual transition from one activity to another.
When working with melancholic people, it is recommended to follow the principle of gradualism. Show empathy and understanding of the person's condition. Moral support when the environment changes. Approve the slightest manifestation of activity. Cultivate a sense of self-worth. Learn to plan your activities, wisely distributing time between work and rest.
Does a person's temperament affect his success in life?
In psychology, the question of whether a person’s temperament affects his success in life has always been relevant: firstly, on his personal life; secondly, for work activity.
When communicating with people, you should remember that temperament is a stable individual psychological feature of a person and therefore it is almost impossible to change it. Under the influence of the environment, individual features are generally only strengthened or weakened
temperament without changing its type. Therefore, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your temperament, you can learn not to show its individual manifestations, for example, excessive facial expressions and gestures, shyness, touchiness, etc. A person with any temperament can learn this. To a large extent, this depends on the moral and volitional qualities of character.
Only in isolated cases, mainly in early childhood, under the influence of severe physical and mental trauma, severe infectious diseases and other factors as a result of changes in higher nervous activity Changes in temperament type are also observed.
To people with various types temperament, accordingly, requires a different attitude. So, punishment, a reprimand, a bad assessment can have a positive effect on choleric people who have a strong nervous system. In this case, negative reinforcement can encourage them to improve.
However, this can have the opposite effect on melancholic people: they become depressed, their performance decreases, and depression may occur. The above type of response to negative reinforcement is the most likely, but not necessary. Whether a person will act one way or another will ultimately depend on his character.
WITH practical point From our point of view, the relevant question is whether temperament imposes restrictions on types of activity. In general, it can be argued that there is no such limitation, and a person with any temperament can achieve significant success in life, or may not realize his potential. However, if professions impose strict requirements on the speed, pace and rhythm of work, such restrictions arise. For example, a dispatcher at an airport or a nuclear power plant, or a test pilot will require a strong and agile type of nervous system, characteristic of sanguine and choleric people. On the contrary, actors and musicians need emotional sensitivity, which is more typical for melancholic people. However, for most professions, temperamental traits play a decisive role, and their shortcomings can be compensated for by a person’s individual style of activity. It should be remembered that in conditions joint activities character traits have a more significant impact on the final result than when a person works alone.
So, differences in temperament are, first of all, differences in the uniqueness of the dynamic manifestations of the psyche, and not in the level of its capabilities. Characteristics of temperament determine the ways and means of work, and not the level of achievement. Therefore, temperament does not determine the social value and moral and volitional qualities of a person. They will depend on the character.
We spend a lot of time in the workplace, side by side with other people. We are friends with someone or have friendly relations, with someone we communicate only on business matters. It’s good if relations with colleagues are friendly, but disagreements also happen. Often the cause of problems is the incompatibility of characters and temperaments: if a colleague is too emotional, and you are used to resolving everything quietly and peacefully, it is unlikely that there will be conflicts. However, there are several tricks to avoid such clashes: for example, determine the employee’s temperament type and build communication based on their characteristic characteristics.
How to recognize?
Character is personality traits that are manifested in a person’s actions and determine his hobbies, principles and worldview. It is quite possible to get along with him - to close your eyes to some shortcomings or to join other people's beliefs, views, interests. And temperament is the innate personality traits that form the basis for character development. You can't change temperament, you can't change it.
The term “temperament” was introduced by the ancient physician Claudius Galen in the 2nd century AD. However, even earlier, in the 5th-4th centuries BC, Hippocrates spoke about the same thing. He believed that the anatomical, physiological and psychological traits of a person depend on which of the four elements predominates in him: yellow bile - choleric, blood - sanguine, lymph - phlegmatic person, black bile - melancholic. Modern science connects the types of temperament with the concepts of “inhibition” and “excitation” of the nervous system, that is, it evaluates a person’s nervous activity.
A person has traits of each of the temperaments, but one of them always dominates. People with different temperaments are either completely opposite, like elements, or complement each other perfectly. In any team, you can create an atmosphere in which each employee will feel in their place and at ease. The main thing is that the temperaments of employees are compatible. If the personnel issue has long been decided for you, then following our advice will help you avoid conflicts.
Who is who?
a brief description of each temperament, based on the nervous activity of its owner:
Sanguine- strong, balanced, agile;
Choleric- strong, unbalanced, agile;
Phlegmatic person- strong, balanced, inert;
Melancholic- weak, unbalanced, inactive.
A person’s belonging to one of the four temperaments can be determined situationally - by his reaction to an obstacle that arises in his path: a choleric person sweeps him away; the sanguine person bypasses; a phlegmatic person often doesn’t even notice; the melancholic person stops before an obstacle.
How to cooperate?
Sanguine colleague
At first glance, a sanguine person is easy to recognize in a team - he is the life of the party. Employees with this temperament are pleasant to talk to and non-conflicting. A sanguine person is an emotional person, a strong and energetic optimist who loves to communicate with interesting and, most importantly, the right people. He often proposes new projects and gives presentations. He is disciplined, comes to work on time, and leaves it not too late. Works with dedication, but without unnecessary nervousness and fussiness.
Sanguine is attracted by opportunity career growth. And there is no need to interfere with this - it will work out good leader any level. It is on this basis that dissatisfaction with colleagues may arise, because a sanguine person competes with everyone and in everything. Also, you should not expect special support from him, since he himself does not need it.
Advice to colleagues: Establishing a relationship with a sanguine person is not difficult: demonstrate your undisguised interest in him, laugh at his jokes and talk about him. positive qualities. Do this and you will have a friend for the rest of your days. Treat sanguine people well, and they will inspire, motivate, and entertain those around them—just don't force them to follow directions or be meticulous about details.
Note to the manager
Knowing the essence of the matter at least in general terms, a sanguine person can brilliantly conduct a conversation with anyone. As you know, sanguine people are good speakers. Therefore, they should be given the floor more often at various meetings and conferences. However technical points Sanguine people often experience difficulties in their work. You shouldn’t trust them with monotonous, conveyor-type work that requires constant attention.
Phlegmatic colleague
The phlegmatic person is unhurried and thorough, possesses enviable equanimity and composure. This is a peace-loving and restrained person who is difficult to anger. He does not like innovation and is generally quite conservative.
A phlegmatic person is not inclined to be a leader: he can work both in a team and independently. He has smooth and friendly relationships with colleagues and easily adapts to the mood and atmosphere of the team. It is calm and pleasant to communicate with phlegmatic people, because it is known in advance that the interlocutor will not flare up without a good reason, and will not start shouting if he does not like something in the statements. The dialogue will always be constructive, objections will be logical and reasoned.
Communicating with phlegmatic people can be difficult because it is difficult to recognize their emotional reaction to everything that others do and say. One can only guess how this person perceived something, and whether he was offended. Also, phlegmatic people can easily gain fame as bores - they like to tell something in detail and in too much detail, so sometimes it becomes boring in their company.
Advice to colleagues: To achieve his respect, you need to share his values - work conscientiously, not commit rash actions, and especially not force him to participate in them! A phlegmatic person will like it if you come to him for advice, and then listen with interest and without objections.
Note to the manager
A phlegmatic person works well in conditions of monotony and monotony, where endurance, patience and perseverance are needed. Usually he switches slowly from one job to another, so if he has already taken on one task, he will see it through to the end. He needs to give instructions accurately and concisely, preferably in writing, so that he can think about and analyze the new information. Under no circumstances should you entrust a person of this type of temperament with a job that requires initiative or prolonged communication with people! Working with clients is simply contraindicated for them.
Choleric colleague
A choleric person is a very impulsive and lively person who reacts emotionally to everything that happens. He is passionate about his work, can overcome significant difficulties and never gives up. If something fails to be done the first time, the choleric person will solve the problem again and again until he brings the matter to a victorious conclusion. He must always win - this is his main rule.
Choleric loves various changes, and, oddly enough, both positive and not so positive. The increased emotionality of choleric people leads to the fact that all their thoughts are literally “written on their faces” - you can easily determine when a choleric person is interested, when he is bored or irritated.
By nature, choleric people are sociable and easily make contact. They like to subjugate and control those around them; they see everyone as rivals. Excessive straightforwardness, hot temper, harshness and intolerance sometimes make it difficult for a choleric person to stay in a team: he cannot always stop in time, which offends others, without meaning to. The choleric person actively gets down to work, plans a lot, but quickly burns out and becomes not only useless, but also negatively inclined towards the task, which can cause bewilderment and dissatisfaction among colleagues.
Advice to colleagues: If you are working with a choleric person, do not react to his outbursts and do not try to shout down, do not argue. Put an interested smile on your face, speak in a friendly tone, you can even make an inoffensive joke. Show confidence. This will puzzle the choleric and at the same time calm him down.Note to the manager
Entrusting a choleric person with systematic, scrupulous work means immediately dooming the business to complete failure. He is attracted to creative work in which he needs to take non-standard solutions. Showing initiative is a mandatory factor in the existence of a choleric person. Therefore, it is better to entrust him with a task in which he is a master: going somewhere, negotiating with someone, resolving issues over the phone. Only he needs to be given clear, concise instructions.
Melancholic colleague
This is a sensitive, touchy and vulnerable person. Easily gets upset even with minor failures. He is usually self-absorbed and has a hard time dealing with conflicts. The slightest stress can greatly damage his performance.
Melancholic people are not interested in other people; they are more concerned about their own inner world. In a group they are unsociable, keep aloof, and are socially passive. In communication, they easily obey the leader and do not compete with anyone. They love to be looked after and prefer to remain in the shadows.
The melancholic person’s social circle is narrow, but his relationships with people are strong and deep. A melancholic person is a wonderful and reliable comrade, he will never leave you in trouble, he knows how to very subtly feel a person’s mood, you can always find sympathy from him. He quickly gets tired of communicating with unfamiliar people, but he calmly endures loneliness. As a rule, a melancholic person avoids tension in relationships with colleagues by all means and has absolutely no conflict.
Advice to colleagues: When communicating with him, you must be sensitive: always speak calmly and softly, avoiding raised voices and harsh expressions, and praise as often as possible.Note to the manager
A melancholic person is recommended, first of all, to engage in the intellectual sphere of activity, where he feels most confident. He is very efficient and conscientious. If you organize a melancholic employee a calm workplace, then its performance may surprise you.
Two of a Kind?
Interaction between colleagues and their labor Relations directly depend on their temperament.
Choleric-phlegmatic
The perfect couple. Each of them has qualities that the other does not have, they complement each other and this is why they like each other. The phlegmatic person patiently endures the emotional outbursts of the choleric person, who likes him for his thoroughness, reliability and responsibility. The choleric person in phlegmatic finds a quiet haven, stability and peace, at the same time does not allow him to get stuck in passivity, constantly spurs him on and activates him, periodically even tries to control him.
Sanguine-choleric
A very active, life-oriented union. They have something to talk about, something to help each other with. At the same time, mutual assistance, although not complete, is very significant: for a choleric person - on the organizational side, for a sanguine person - in putting plans into practice. The choleric person thinks, the sanguine person carries out. However, sometimes an exchange of opinions can develop into arguments and quarrels, insistence on one’s point of view and rivalry. To maintain balance, it is necessary to adapt to each other, and this should be done by both parties and equally.
Melancholic-sanguine
A promising alliance with mutual respect and tact. Mutual assistance can be very effective: on the part of a melancholic person - on a spiritual, internal level, and on the part of a sanguine person - on a social level. A melancholic person feels best with a sanguine person: the irrational switches of the first not only do not irritate him, but, on the contrary, provide him with new interesting impressions and distract him from sad thoughts. A sanguine person gets along well with a melancholic person due to his balance and sociability.
Melancholic-phlegmatic
The relationship in this couple is relatively calm. They pay little attention to each other, since both are immersed in their inner world. A melancholic person may not like the apparent slowness and passivity of a phlegmatic person, and a phlegmatic person may not like the increased anxiety and excessive restlessness of a melancholic person. However, there is no tangible discomfort in the relationship. They are also not particularly interested in rivalry and disputes. In such a union, there will inevitably be sympathy and respect for the inner world of the other person, but at the same time, alienation will increase due to a lack of initiative.
Sanguine-phlegmatic
Quite an interesting form of union. There is little mutual understanding, but mutual assistance is significant and active. Especially when there are common interests and practical questions V business sphere. Good cooperation is ensured by the social activity of a sanguine person and the hard work of a phlegmatic person. However, a sanguine person cannot be denied practicality and thoroughness. Conflicts in such a couple are insignificant, since both feel a practical need for each other, which they value much higher than defending their opinion. Usually in this pair the sanguine person is the leader, and the phlegmatic person, having easily ceded his authority, turns out to be a follower.
Melancholic-choleric
The cooperation of these two types is highly undesirable, because the domineering choleric person will quickly and peremptorily “enslave” the timid and quiet melancholic person. The straightforwardness often unconscious to a choleric person, despite all his caution, will hurt a very sensitive melancholic person. As a result, tension, discomfort, and mutual accusations will arise between them. They have mutual understanding, but within narrow limits. There is little mutual assistance in this couple, although it can be significant: in some situations, the choleric person can look after or take the melancholic person under his protection.
Temperament squared
If people have the same type of temperament, then the most favorable combination will be two phlegmatic or melancholic people, somewhat worse - two sanguine people, and very bad - two choleric people.
This situation is easily explained: phlegmatic people are the most balanced people, they are difficult to anger. Melancholic people are impressionable, very vulnerable and touchy, but they are quite compliant and prone to compromise in order to achieve peace of mind. Sanguine people are independent and emotional, but easy-going. Noticing that the brewing conflict could take a serious turn, they easily compromise to restore balance in their relations with each other. It is most difficult for two straightforward, excitable and uncontrollable choleric people to maintain balance in a relationship.
Compatibility rules
Any group of people works more effectively if it contains representatives of all temperaments. Melancholic people are the first to sense in which direction the search should begin. Cholerics play the role of fearless scouts. Sanguine people are the source positive emotions and constantly generate unexpected ideas. Phlegmatic people analyze information and offer an informed decision.
It is quite possible for everyone to get along under one roof, because the type of temperament does not affect a person’s abilities and interests. A person with any temperament can be smart or stupid, honest or deceitful, talented or untalented. A polite and friendly attitude towards colleagues does not depend on their temperament, but on a person’s desire to achieve mutual understanding at work.
Have you ever analyzed your character? Have you ever thought about the nature of your temper or goodwill, aloofness or sociability? After all, you probably noticed some prevailing character traits in yourself. If yes, then this interesting and informative article was written especially for you. Today we will raise the question of the types of human temperament and their characteristics.
The term “temperament” originates from the Mediterranean civilization. Even then, such famous doctors and philosophers of antiquity as Hippocrates and Galen noticed a certain pattern in people’s behavior and began to study it. A little later, they came to the conclusion that the type of character is influenced by the prevailing “life juice” that is inside the body. Philosophers have identified four main fluids and called these character types temperament.
The hypothesis about the “vital juices” and their influence on character remained just an assumption, because no one, fortunately, checked a person for the presence of this or that liquid. At least we can hope so, because... history is silent about this. But, nevertheless, their discovery so shocked the world of philosophy at that time that psychology still finds this method relevant and actively uses it in practice. The truth explains it in its own way, from a scientific point of view.
How do psychologists determine the type of temperament?
The fact is that 4 types of temperament exist. Leading psychologists still agree with this, but they explain this not by the prevailing “life juice”, but by the dynamics of the nervous system. For example, sanguine and choleric people have lightning-fast reactions, they are sociable, and are able to quickly solve problems rather than accumulate them. While the phlegmatic and melancholic would rather wait for everything to resolve itself rather than take the situation into their own hands, they are less sociable and feel comfortable alone. The second type is inferior to the first in the dynamics of the nervous system, that is, it is a little “inhibited”. This creative people who are immersed in the inner world.
Herluf Bidstrup is a famous Danish cartoonist. His funny pictures of types of temperament still serve a clear example in many textbooks and manuals in different countries peace. The first one on top is a choleric person, then a phlegmatic person, a melancholic person and a sanguine person. It's very funny to watch how they behave different types temperament in the same situation.
It is interesting to know that there is no pure type of temperament. Each of the four types is present in any person, but each has dominant character traits, from which it can be concluded which type of temperament predominates most.
Mental personality disorders with a pure type of temperament
As mentioned above, all people are characterized by several types of temperament and, as a rule, one of them is dominant. Clean look temperament in psychology may indicate that a person suffers from a psychiatric disorder, because. this is considered pathological.
- Choleric – impulsive disorder personalities
- Phlegmatic – schizophrenic personality disorder
- Melancholic – anxious personality disorder
- Sanguine - hypomania
Eric Berne wrote a great book called Games People Play. It explains the difference in our behavior in a given situation. Tells how common it is for people to use masks from “diligent schoolgirl” to “tyrant”. Try to independently analyze your behavior in different life situations, and you will understand that the type of temperament is a conditional indicator of the prevailing character traits.
Choleric is a type of temperament
If we briefly talk about the type of this temperament, then this is definitely a born leader. The main traits of his character are short temper, irritability and impulsiveness. Cholerics have the fastest dynamics of the nervous system, so they are able to set goals and achieve their goals.
- These people have analytical thinking, which is why choleric people can often be found in leadership positions.
- The type of activity of the owner of this temperament is often associated with exact technical sciences.
- They are very demanding and executive bosses. They make decisions easily, direct and categorical in their choices.
Cholerics have an ideal union with phlegmatic people. They, like scales, balance ardor and complement each other.
Features of the behavior of a choleric child
This type the child's temperament causes biggest problems in education. These are very energetic children who are interested in everything. They try to cover literally everything. A choleric child will happily attend classes in ballroom dancing and karate, drawing and football at the same time.
- Choleric children have serious problems with organization, which should absolutely not be allowed.
- Most likely, he will leave all sections after a couple of classes. Their excessive energy does not allow them to sit for a long time in one activity.
- This is very bad, because a choleric child has innate potential. These are successful and determined people in the future.
- If parents direct their energy in the right direction, they will certainly get a very smart and purposeful child.
- Another huge disadvantage of choleric children is that they are very emotional. If they are raised incorrectly, then very soon they will begin to pour out their excess energy on the children around them, which cannot be pleasant. Almost all hooligans have this type of temperament.
- If your child shows aggression towards other children, do not rush to spank him on the bottom; they require a special approach to education.
How to raise a choleric child?
The concept of this type of temperament already implies his temper and imbalance. Don’t even try to shout at him or, God forbid, hit him. Don't expect him to remain silent in response; it is quite possible that he will respond in kind. With this example you only show that such behavior is normal.
They are like sponges, absorbing everything from you as an example. All attempts to suppress a choleric child will cause serious resistance on his part. Such children are very vindictive and, if they come across a wall of misunderstanding and aggression from their parents, they will repay in kind.
- You need to learn to negotiate with a child. Be demanding of him, but not so much as to limit his expression of energy.
- Set clear rules of behavior in the house and on the street.
- Any disobedience must be punished. If you threaten your child that you will take away his device, then do not waste your words.
- Choleric children are very cunning and will take advantage of your mercy.
- This is the child who needs discipline the most.
Phlegmatic - a type of temperament
These are very friendly and nice people. This type of temperament has a slow dynamics of the nervous system, so they often seem sluggish and lacking initiative.
Characteristics of phlegmatic people:
- This is a rare group of people whose representatives feel comfortable in routine.
- They often work in the same type of work, which most people find boring.
- Phlegmatic people hate change.
- They hate regularity and strive to live in an organized way.
- Also, phlegmatic people hate conflicts; they do not know how to confront anyone and defend their interests. In order not to run into a quarrel, they are able to give everything you ask them.
- These are very loyal friends who will always listen and help.
Features of the behavior of a phlegmatic child
These are very diligent and friendly children. They are born perfectionists. Phlegmatic people work very hard, and when they find something they like, they will most likely make it their life’s work. These are the most obedient and “comfortable” children who almost never create difficulties for their parents.
- They have a not very practical trait; they are very introverted children.
- Phlegmatic people value loneliness and comfort above all else. They cannot be called social in any way.
- Parents must help their child adapt to society. Otherwise, they risk remaining as hermits, not contacting anyone unless absolutely necessary.
- Another unpleasant feature of phlegmatic people is their slowness. They are unhurried and always debug everything for later, this can create many problems in the future.
- From childhood they need to be taught to be organized and punctual.
How to raise a phlegmatic child?
Phlegmatic children, as mentioned above, are the most “convenient” children to raise. They are very obedient and will never contradict their parents.
But they also require a special approach:
- A phlegmatic child has a hard time accepting what is said. There is a good chance that he will not remember your words or simply will not consider them important.
- They are often immersed in their inner world, which prevents them from being attentive.
- They often act distant during parenting. Therefore, it is best to educate them by good example.
- Don't demand more from your child than you can do yourself.
- At first, study lessons with him together, sitting next to him.
- The problem of a phlegmatic child with adaptation in society is also very easy to solve. To do this, the main thing is to organize family “outings” to an amusement park or, when eating in a restaurant, take it to the game room.
- They slowly adapt to the new way of life. Almost all changes are taken to heart. You should not do this too abruptly so that the child does not experience stress.
Sanguine - a type of temperament
Sanguine can be seen from afar. They are always very loud, fast and cheerful people, with an unsurpassed sense of humor. Such people are often called the “life of the party.” They have a lot of friends, which is not surprising given their behavior pattern.
- Sanguine people hate loneliness. They try to surround themselves with communication and people as much as possible. This is the only way they feel comfortable.
- Sanguine people are capable of achieving high goals, but their main problem is that they are very changeable.
- It often seems to them that they have found their life’s work, but quickly “burning out”, they begin to want something new.
- Sanguine people want everything at once, but boredom is their main enemy.
- Such people often find themselves in the humanities.
- If we put aside their inconstancy, these are very purposeful people who are able to move mountains on the path to their dreams.
Peculiarities of behavior of a sanguine child
Such children are often called hyperactive. But, to tell the truth, many of the sanguine children suffer from this behavior disorder. This is a physiological feature of this type of temperament.
- A sanguine child has a lightning-fast reaction to everything that happens
- These kids can't sit still for a minute.
- An angina child is very friendly and will never offend anyone. But his energy is sometimes destructive
- Parents should make a lot of effort to come to an agreement with their child or keep him busy with something useful.
How to raise a sanguine child?
A sanguine child is not to blame for his excessive activity and parents should understand and respect this. The best solution will pass the child to several sections at once. They must be active. You can't imagine what could happen to a piano teacher if your child decides to take his class. Give preference to wrestling, modern dance or children's tourism.
- Sanguine people often associate themselves with vigorous activity, so your choice can play a role decisive role in the fate of your child.
- Their activity often makes it difficult for them to concentrate.
- Your task is to convey to the child that he has certain obligations (for example: walk the dog, do his homework) and until he does this, he will not be able to do what he would like.
- Introduce clear boundaries of discipline, but do not limit the child completely. If he is not allowed to scream in the house, then allow him to do it outside.
Melancholic - a type of temperament
Melancholic people are very creative people. They love to analyze their behavior and feelings. They never let go of grudges, and for a long time accumulate them.
- Melancholic people love loneliness, but at the same time they quickly establish relationships with a new team.
- They are punctual and organized, which is what they demand from others.
- They can fully reveal themselves in creativity.
- This is very deep people, With big heart and a huge inner world, which undoubtedly helps them in their creativity. But by choosing another profession, they can easily achieve success.
- Melancholic people are very consistent and conscientious in everything they do.
Features of the behavior of a melancholic child
Melancholic people are very reasonable and correct children. But, unfortunately, their excessive sensitivity often spoils their mood. A melancholic child often cries, but not only because you yelled at him or offended him in some way. Tears are a real tool in his hands. He is a born manipulator and often resorts to forbidden techniques.
- Don't forget that these are creative children.
- They get along quite well in society, but often require solitude. Parents need to respect such a decision and give the child the opportunity to be alone.
- It is unlikely that he will surf the Internet or watch cartoons; this time will be devoted to global thoughts and plans.
How to raise a melancholic child?
Under no circumstances should you shout at a child. He is very sensitive and receptive. Your words can hurt him so much that it can develop into mental trauma. You need to negotiate with such a child; these are very smart children who understand words perfectly.
- If a child cries, be sure to take pity on him, but stand your ground, explaining your categorical attitude. This way you will avoid manipulation by your child.
- Be sure to take your child to creative classes so that he can reveal his innate potential.
- Encourage all his achievements and unsuccessful attempts. It is very important to encourage a melancholic child.
- Avoid the carrot and stick method. You have enough smart child to negotiate with him like an adult.
Let this article serve as a useful guide for you on the types of temperament and their properties. After all, it is very important to find an approach to a person in order to make your relationship strong and comfortable for both. Raise your child according to his temperament type, he will become obedient and collected. Your patience and consistency will lead him to success.
Video: “Test for the type of temperament using the DISK method”
As you know, there are four types of temperament, about which entire volumes of research have been written. Without going into details, we will list them.
Sanguine
Fast
Easily adapts to changes.
He has fast speech and lively facial expressions.
He speaks more willingly than listens.
Sociable.
Shallow in feelings.
Optimistic.
Energetic.
Initiative.
Often does not complete things.
Hardy.
Decisive.
Phlegmatic person
Thorough.
Unhurried.
Calm and cool.
Reliable and consistent.
Immune to other people's opinions.
Peaceful.
Slow.
Choleric is characterized by:
Hot temper.
Excitement.
Impatience.
Straightforwardness and sharpness.
Determination.
Lack of stamina.
High penetration power.
Work in jerks.
Demandingness.
Placability
Lively facial expressions.
Sudden movements.
Persistence.
Melancholic
High sensitivity.
Inertia.
Touchiness.
Suspiciousness.
Timidity.
Inexpressive movements and facial expressions.
Deep inner world.
Shyness.
Lack of stamina and performance.
Low rate of mental processes.
To be successful, he needs a calm environment.
It is worth mentioning that it is very difficult to meet a person who is a “pure” representative of any of these four temperaments, and in most cases people combine two, and more often three, types. Therefore, when considering the compatibility of different temperaments, this circumstance should be taken into account.
Choleric+choleric
The main problem in relationships is the lack of common interests. If partners have different views, they will foam at the mouth to prove that they are right, regardless of each other.
Quarrels in a choleric + choleric alliance are common.
Even having a high culture and knowing about their quarrelsome temperament, it is very difficult for such people to control their impulses. Being united by common interests they can cooperate quite fruitfully. However, even here the world will be unstable.
Choleric+sanguine
This option is more stable than the previous one.
A sanguine person tolerates quarrels more easily and may not attach much importance to them.
Such a tandem of temperaments is more proactive and less prone to fanaticism.
It is very good if a sanguine person, rich in ideas, chooses promising goals and weighs the pros and cons, and a proactive choleric person manages their implementation.
In general, such an alliance is painted in positive tones and is quite successful.
Choleric + phlegmatic
In this case, it will be quite difficult for partners to achieve understanding. Everyone views the world from their own perspective and it will take extraordinary efforts to achieve it. A choleric person sees a tortoise in a phlegmatic person, while a phlegmatic person tends to look at a choleric person as a hare. Ideally, the choleric person should take the active role, and leave the routine to the hardy and disciplined phlegmatic person, who copes with this perfectly.
Choleric+melancholic
It's horrible. A union of strength and weakness, vulnerability and aggression, speed and slowness. A heavy burden for a melancholic person and an endless source of irritation for a choleric person.
Sanguine+sanguine
A very cheerful union of two eternal optimists who are always ready to start new project, get a new profession, hobby, family... It’s easy to guess that the problem could be a lack of depth, consistency and the ability to finish what you started, with an excess of ideas. But spiritually, even in defeat, such a union plays with the rays of the Sun.
Sanguine+phlegmatic
A very productive relationship. The abundance of ideas and breadth of views of a sanguine person are perfectly balanced by the stability and perseverance of a phlegmatic person and vice versa, without creating any special conflicts.
Sanguine+melancholic
It will be much easier for the latter in such a union than with a choleric person, but one cannot expect much understanding here.
Too different life speeds make themselves felt. Such relationships can be somewhat softened if you choose a lifestyle with frequent and rather long separations.
Phlegmatic+phlegmatic
The main difficulty is excessive restraint and lack of desire to understand your partner. This option is more suitable for collaboration in the archive than for relationships. However, marriages concluded by such a couple are almost always very stable.
Phlegmatic+melancholic
Perhaps the best union for a melancholic person.
Phlegmatic people will strengthen melancholic people, and in return they will decorate their rigid mental organization with their rich inner world.
As in all cases with a melancholic person, it is better if the bearer of this temperament is a woman.
If a man has a melancholic type of temperament, then, alas, it will be much more difficult for a woman to understand him.
Melancholic+melancholic
One cannot expect any special success in life from such a couple. There is more hope for a favorable combination of life circumstances than for the partners themselves. True, they can be very sensitive and caring towards each other. Life force bypassed such a union. But what dreams!
