What is Temperament: Understanding the Types and Features

Temperament is a fundamental characteristic of personality that plays a crucial role in shaping our emotional responses and ways of interacting with the world around us. It is an innate feature of the nervous system that defines the dynamics of mental processes and human behavior.

Understanding temperament is of great importance in psychology, as it allows us to better recognize individual differences among people, predict their behavior, and anticipate emotional reactions in various situations. Knowledge of temperament features can assist in career choice, building interpersonal relationships, and even in raising children.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what temperament is, the types of temperament, how it influences our lives, and how it differs from character. We will also discuss modern theories of temperament and methods of assessing it.

What is Temperament: Historical Context

The concept of temperament has a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations. People have long observed differences in the behavior and emotional responses of others, attempting to explain and classify these differences.

The study of temperament has progressed from mystical concepts to scientific theories based on empirical data. This journey reflects the evolution of human knowledge and the quest to understand the complexity of human nature.

The Ancient Greek Theory of Four Humors

The history of temperament research dates back to antiquity. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) proposed a theory suggesting that a person’s temperament is determined by the balance of four bodily fluids:

1. Blood (sanguis)
2. Yellow bile (chole)
3. Black bile (melaina chole)
4. Phlegm (phlegma)

Hippocrates believed that the predominance of one of these fluids forms a specific type of temperament. This idea was later expanded upon by the Roman physician Galen (129-200 AD), who described four types of temperament corresponding to the predominance of each fluid:

• Sanguine (predominance of blood)
• Choleric (predominance of yellow bile)
• Melancholic (predominance of black bile)
• Phlegmatic (predominance of phlegm)

Although this theory lacks scientific basis from the perspective of modern medicine, it laid the foundation for further research on individual differences among people.

Development of Temperament Theories in Psychology

With the development of psychology as a science, concepts of temperament evolved significantly. In the 19th century, German philosopher Immanuel Kant proposed his own classification of temperaments based on features of emotionality and activity.

In the early 20th century, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov linked types of temperament to characteristics of the nervous system. He identified three main properties of nervous processes: strength, balance, and mobility. Based on these properties, Pavlov described four types of higher nervous activity that corresponded to the classical types of temperament.

Further development of temperament theory is associated with the works of researchers like Hans Eysenck, Alexander Thomas, and Stella Chess, who proposed their own models and approaches to the study of temperament.

Main Types of Temperament

The classification of temperament types is an attempt to systematize the diversity of individual differences in people’s behavior and emotional responses. This classification, despite its apparent simplicity, remains relevant in modern psychology.

Each type of temperament has unique characteristics that manifest in various aspects of life. Knowledge of these traits helps us to better understand ourselves and others and to interact more effectively in different social contexts.

The classical typology of temperaments, which dates back to the ideas of Hippocrates and Galen, identifies four main types:

Choleric

Cholerics are characterized by high activity, energy, and impulsiveness. They react quickly to external stimuli, are easily excitable, and emotional. Cholerics are often impatient, hot-tempered, and prone to mood swings. However, they have a high work capacity, initiative, and adaptability.

Main traits of cholerics:

• Energy and activity
• Quick responses
• Impulsiveness
• Emotional instability
• Inclination towards leadership

Sanguine

Sanguines are lively, flexible, and balanced. They are sociable, optimistic, and adapt easily to new situations. Sanguines are quick to be enthused by new ideas but may also lose interest just as quickly. They handle stress well and possess high work efficiency.

Main traits of sanguines:

• Sociability and communicability
• Optimism and cheerfulness
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Quick change of interests
• Emotional stability

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatics are calm, slow-moving, and resistant to external stimuli. They are balanced, patient, and inclined to deeply analyze situations. Phlegmatics do not like to express emotions intensely and prefer stability. They have a high work capacity but need time to get involved in tasks.

Main traits of phlegmatics:

• Calmness and composure
• Slowness of responses
• Resistance to stress
• Inclination towards consistency
• Reliability and responsibility

Melancholic

Melancholics are distinguished by high sensitivity, depth of feelings, and a tendency for self-reflection. They are often anxious, easily hurt, and prone to pessimism. Melancholics have a rich inner world, developed intuition, and empathy. They can be very productive in creative activities but often need support and encouragement.

Main traits of melancholics:

• High sensitivity
• Inclination to deep feelings
• Anxiety and suspicion
• Developed imagination
• Inclination towards creativity

It’s essential to note that pure types of temperament are rare. Most people exhibit a combination of traits from different types, with one or two predominating.

Hans Eysenck and Modern Theories of Temperament

The development of psychology and neurobiology has led to the emergence of new, more sophisticated, and scientifically substantiated theories of temperament. These theories aim to explain individual differences in people’s behavior and reactions, taking into account the latest advances in brain and psyche research.

Modern approaches to studying temperament often integrate knowledge from various fields, including genetics, neurobiology, and developmental psychology. This interdisciplinary interaction helps to create a more complete and accurate picture of the nature of temperament.

While the classical typology of temperaments remains widely known, modern psychology offers more complex and scientifically grounded models of temperament. Let’s consider some of the most influential modern theories.

Eysenck’s Theory

British psychologist Hans Eysenck proposed a theory stating that temperament is determined by two primary dimensions of personality:

1. Extraversion – Introversion
2. Neuroticism – Emotional Stability

Later, Eysenck added a third dimension – psychoticism.

Extraversion describes the orientation of personality toward the external world, sociability, and activity, while introversion characterizes an inclination toward self-reflection and focus on the inner world.

Neuroticism reflects emotional instability, anxiety, and a tendency for negative emotions. Emotional stability, in contrast, is characterized by balance and resistance to stress.

Psychoticism in Eysenck’s theory is associated with traits such as aggressiveness, egocentrism, and impulsivity.

The combination of these dimensions allows for a more detailed description of individual differences in temperament than the classical typology.

Thomas and Chess’s Theory

American psychologists Alexander Thomas and Stella Chess developed a theory of temperament based on long-term observations of children. They identified nine temperament traits:

1. Level of activity
2. Rhythmicity (regularity)
3. Approach or withdrawal (response to new stimuli)
4. Adaptability
5. Intensity of reactions
6. Threshold of reactivity
7. Mood
8. Distractibility
9. Attention span and persistence

Based on these traits, Thomas and Chess described three main types of temperament in children:

• Easy Temperament
• Difficult Temperament
• Slow-to-warm-up Temperament

This theory emphasizes the importance of the interaction between innate temperament traits and the surrounding environment in shaping a child’s behavior.

Other Modern Approaches

There are many other modern theories and models of temperament. For example:

• Jan Strelau’s Regulatory Theory of Temperament
• The Big Five personality traits model
• Mary Rothbart’s Temperament Theory

These theories offer various approaches to understanding and measuring temperament, often focusing on specific aspects such as emotional reactivity, self-regulation, or the biological foundations of individual differences.

Modern temperament research often employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining data from psychology, neurobiology, and genetics to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this complex aspect of personality.

Physiological Foundations of Temperament

Temperament has deep roots in human biology, making it one of the most stable aspects of personality. Studying the physiological foundations of temperament opens new horizons for understanding individual differences and their impact on behavior.

Modern methods of neuroimaging and genetic research allow scientists to uncover the mysteries of brain function and identify specific mechanisms underlying different types of temperament. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of human nature but also opens up new possibilities for personalized approaches in education, psychotherapy, and medicine.

Role of the Nervous System

Research shows that temperament is closely linked to the functioning of the central nervous system. Key aspects include:

1. Strength of neural processes: determines the nervous system’s ability to withstand prolonged or intense arousal.
2. Mobility of neural processes: characterizes the speed of switching between excitatory and inhibitory processes.
3. Balance of neural processes: reflects the equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory processes.
4. Activity of the reticular formation: influences the overall level of brain activation and wakefulness.
5. Features of limbic system functioning: play a crucial role in emotional reactivity.

For example, high mobility of neural processes is typical of sanguine and choleric individuals, while phlegmatic and melancholic people exhibit lower mobility. Sanguine and phlegmatic individuals also demonstrate greater resilience to stress due to the strength of their neural processes.

Genetic Factors

Twin studies and observations of adopted children reveal a significant role of genetics in the formation of temperament. Key aspects include:

1. Heritability: Research indicates that 40-60% of individual differences in temperament may be genetically determined.
2. Polygenicity: Temperament is a polygenic trait, influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect.
3. Gene-environment interaction: Genetic predispositions may manifest differently depending on environmental conditions.
4. Epigenetics: Environmental factors can affect the expression of genes related to temperament without altering the DNA sequence itself.

Studies suggest that certain genes associated with neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine) may influence aspects of temperament, like novelty-seeking or anxiety.

It is important to note that while temperament has a strong biological basis, it is not entirely deterministic. The environment, experience, and conscious efforts can shape temperament expression and its development throughout life.

Differences Between Temperament and Character

Temperament and character, though closely related, represent different aspects of personality. Their interaction creates a unique psychological portrait of each person, influencing behavior, thinking, and emotional responses.

Understanding the differences between temperament and character has important practical implications. It helps to more accurately assess personality, predict behavior, and develop effective strategies for personal growth and interpersonal interaction.

Definition of Character

Character is a set of stable individual personality traits formed and manifested in activities and communication. It includes a system of a person’s attitudes toward the world, other people, and oneself, as well as enduring patterns of behavior resulting from these attitudes.

Key Differences Between Temperament and Character

Origin:

• Temperament: primarily innate, determined by biological factors.
• Character: formed throughout life under the influence of upbringing, social environment, and personal experience.

Stability:

• Temperament: relatively stable throughout life.
• Character: can change significantly under the influence of life experiences and conscious efforts.

Content:

• Temperament: reflects the dynamic aspects of behavior (speed, intensity, rhythm of mental processes).
• Character: includes the content-related aspects of personality (values, beliefs, habits).

Impact on Behavior:

• Temperament: determines the style of behavior, how a person acts.
• Character: determines the direction of behavior, what a person does.

Moral Evaluation:

• Temperament: neutral from a moral standpoint.
• Character: can be morally evaluated (e.g., honest, kind, selfish).

Manifestation:

• Temperament: appears in all spheres of life.
• Character: may vary across different situations and social roles.

Interrelation Between Temperament and Character

Despite their differences, temperament and character are closely intertwined:

1. Temperament as a foundation of character: Temperament traits can influence the development of certain character traits. For example, a sociable temperament may contribute to openness and friendliness.
2. Impact on habit formation: Temperament can affect behavior patterns, which eventually form habits and character traits.
3. Compensatory mechanisms: Character may develop as a way of compensating for certain temperament traits. For example, a highly impulsive person may develop self-control traits.
4. Interaction in behavior: In real-life behavior, temperament and character manifest together, creating a unique individual style.
5. Adaptation: The combination of temperament and character shapes a person’s ability to adapt to various life situations.

Understanding the differences and interrelation between temperament and character is essential for psychologists, educators, and anyone interested in personality development. This knowledge helps in assessing individual traits more accurately, predicting behavior, and developing effective strategies for personal growth and interaction.

The Impact of Temperament on Behavior and Personality

Temperament, as a fundamental personality characteristic, profoundly influences all aspects of a person’s life. It forms a unique style of responding to the world, affecting the speed, intensity, and duration of emotional and behavioral reactions.

Awareness of how temperament impacts behavior and personality opens up new possibilities for self-awareness and self-development. It enables people to better understand their strengths and limitations and to create individual strategies for achieving personal and professional goals.

Temperament and Emotional Reactions

1. Intensity of Emotions:
   • Cholerics and melancholics tend to have more intense emotional reactions.
   • Sanguines and phlegmatics usually display more moderate emotions.
2. Speed of Emotional Onset:
   • Cholerics and sanguines experience emotions quickly.
   • Phlegmatics and melancholics have slower emotional responses.
3. Duration of Emotional States:
   • Melancholics tend to experience prolonged emotions.
   • Sanguines usually have brief emotional states.
4. Emotional Stability:
   • Phlegmatics and sanguines are more resilient to stress.
   • Cholerics and melancholics are more sensitive to stressful situations.

Temperament and Social Interactions

1. Sociability:
   • Extroverts (sanguines and cholerics) easily initiate contact and maintain a broad social circle.
   • Introverts (phlegmatics and melancholics) prefer deeper but fewer social connections.
2. Adaptation to New Situations:
   • Sanguines easily adapt to new social settings.
   • Melancholics may experience difficulties adapting to changes.
3. Leadership:
   • Cholerics often seek leadership roles.
   • Phlegmatics usually do not actively pursue leadership.
4. Conflict:
   • Cholerics are more prone to conflict due to impulsivity.
   • Phlegmatics usually avoid conflict situations.
5. Empathy:
   • Melancholics are often highly empathetic and sensitive to others’ emotions.
   • Sanguines establish emotional connections easily but may have less depth in empathy.

Temperament’s influence on behavior and personality does not mean that a person is entirely determined by it. Awareness of one’s temperament traits can help develop strategies for effectively managing emotions and behavior. For example:

• Cholerics can learn self-control techniques to manage impulsivity.
• Melancholics can develop positive thinking skills to balance their tendency toward negative emotions.
• Phlegmatics can work on increasing their activity levels and initiative in social situations.
• Sanguines can develop skills in deep analysis and sustained attention.

It is essential to remember that temperament is only one part of personality. Character, values, life experiences, and conscious choices also significantly shape behavior.

Temperament and Parenting

The interaction between innate temperament traits and environmental influence is one of the most fascinating areas in developmental psychology. Understanding the role of temperament in the parenting process can significantly enhance parenting strategies and educational approaches.

Taking temperament into account during upbringing creates optimal conditions for each child’s development. This not only fosters harmonious personality development but also helps prevent many behavioral and emotional issues that may arise when parenting styles conflict with a child’s temperament traits.

How to Consider a Child’s Temperament in Parenting?

1. Individual Approach:
   • Adapt parenting methods to the child’s temperament.
   • Avoid comparing children with different temperaments.
2. Creating an Appropriate Environment:
   • For active children (cholerics, sanguines), ensure plenty of space and opportunities for movement.
   • For sensitive children (melancholics), create a calm, predictable environment.
3. Managing Stress:
   • Help the child find suitable ways to cope with stress that align with their temperament.
   • Teach self-regulation techniques that match the child’s characteristics.
4. Supporting Strengths:
   • Encourage the development of natural inclinations tied to temperament.
   • Help the child utilize their strengths in various situations.
5. Working on Weaknesses:
   • Gently encourage the development of skills that may be challenging due to temperament traits.
   • Avoid trying to change the child’s temperament entirely.
6. Communication:
   • Adapt communication style to the child’s temperament.
   • Teach the child to express their needs and emotions in acceptable ways.
7. Setting Boundaries:
   • Set clear but flexible boundaries that consider the child’s temperament.
   • Be consistent with rules but open to individual approaches.

The Potential for Modifying Temperament Expressions

Although the basic characteristics of temperament are relatively stable, their expressions can change through development and upbringing.

1. Developing Self-Regulation:
   • Children can learn to control expressions of their temperament.
   • Teaching self-regulation techniques based on individual traits is crucial.
2. Behavioral Adaptation:
   • As they grow, children learn to adapt their behavior to meet situational demands.
   • Encourage flexibility in behavior while respecting the child’s individuality.
3. Compensatory Mechanisms:
   • Help the child develop strategies that compensate for challenging aspects of their temperament.
   • For example, teach an impulsive child to pause before acting.
4. Expanding the Range of Responses:
   • Encourage the child to try new ways of responding to situations.
   • Model different types of behavior, showing alternatives.
5. Working on Beliefs:
   • Help the child form positive beliefs about themselves and their abilities.
   • Explain that temperament is not a limitation but a characteristic that can be an asset.
6. Developing Emotional Intelligence:
   • Teach the child to understand their own and others’ emotions.
   • Foster skills in empathy and social interaction.

The goal of parenting is not to change the child’s temperament but to help them adapt effectively to the world by using their unique traits. Accepting and understanding the child’s individuality is key to successful parenting and harmonious personality development.

Temperament in Professional Activities

The role of temperament in the professional sphere is challenging to overestimate. It influences career choice, work style, stress management, and interactions with colleagues. Understanding one’s temperament traits can be the key to professional success.

In today’s world, where diversity and individual approaches are valued, taking temperament into account in professional settings is increasingly relevant. This applies not only to career choice but also to workspace organization, team-building, and personnel management strategies.

Career Choice Based on Temperament

1. Choleric:
   • Suitable professions: manager, entrepreneur, journalist, politician, salesperson.
   • Advantages: energy, initiative, quick response to changes.
   • Challenges: may be impatient, prone to conflicts.
2. Sanguine:
   • Suitable professions: PR specialist, teacher, psychologist, actor, diplomat.
   • Advantages: sociability, adaptability, optimism.
   • Challenges: may be superficial in relationships, easily distracted.
3. Phlegmatic:
   • Suitable professions: analyst, accountant, programmer, scientist, administrator.
   • Advantages: stability, reliability, ability to concentrate for long periods.
   • Challenges: may be slow, resistant to change.
4. Melancholic:
   • Suitable professions: artist, writer, composer, designer, researcher.
   • Advantages: deep thinking, attention to detail, creativity.
   • Challenges: may be prone to stress, anxiety.

These recommendations are not strict rules. People with any temperament can succeed in various professions, especially if they understand their strengths and weaknesses and can compensate for them.

Adapting the Work Environment for Different Temperament Types

Creating a work environment that considers employees’ temperaments can significantly improve productivity and job satisfaction.

1. For cholerics:
   • Provide opportunities for frequent task changes.
   • Ensure a fast work pace and clear deadlines.
   • Allow leadership qualities to flourish.
2. For sanguines:
   • Offer diverse tasks and social interactions.
   • Provide opportunities for creativity and innovation.
   • Create a positive, energetic team atmosphere.
3. For phlegmatics:
   • Ensure a stable, predictable work environment.
   • Allow enough time for tasks and decision-making.
   • Enable deep, focused work without frequent interruptions.
4. For melancholics:
   • Create a calm, low-stress work setting.
   • Provide clear instructions and support.
   • Allow for individual work and creative expression.

Workplace adaptations may include:

• Flexible work hours.
• Varied workspace types (open and closed offices, quiet zones).
• Diverse communication methods (face-to-face meetings, email, messaging).
• Individual approaches to task setting and performance evaluation.

A practical work environment should consider not only temperament but also other individual traits of employees, as well as the specifics of the work being performed.

Methods for Determining Temperament

Determining one’s temperament type can be a complex task requiring a comprehensive approach. It can be beneficial for self-awareness, career choice, improving interpersonal relationships, and enhancing effectiveness in various life areas. Modern psychology offers numerous methods for accurately assessing different aspects of temperament.

Technological advancements open new possibilities for studying temperament. Machine learning, big data analysis, and neuroimaging allow the creation of more accurate and individualized temperament assessment methods, which is highly relevant for personalized medicine, education, and psychological counseling.

Methods for determining temperament include:

Psychological Tests

1. Eysenck Test:
   • Assesses personality through two main dimensions: extraversion-introversion and neuroticism-stability.
   • Allows determining the temperament type based on the combination of these dimensions.
2. Temperament Structure Questionnaire (TSQ) by V.M. Rusalov:
   • Evaluates the formal-dynamic properties of individuality.
   • Includes scales for ergicity, plasticity, speed, and emotionality in both object-oriented and social spheres.
3. G. Shmishek’s Personality Questionnaire:
   • Identifies character accentuations that are often related to temperament traits.
4. J. Strelau’s Temperament Questionnaire:
   • Assesses three main properties of the nervous system: excitatory strength, inhibitory strength, and nervous process mobility.
5. J. Strelau’s Method for Temperament Diagnostics:
   • A more modern version of the test based on the regulatory theory of temperament.

Behavioral Observation

The observation method can complement psychological tests and provide valuable information about a person’s temperament.

1. Structured Observation:
   • Conducted according to pre-established criteria.
   • May include evaluating parameters such as activity, emotionality, and sociability.
2. Naturalistic Observation:
   • Conducted in everyday situations.
   • Allows for the assessment of a person’s reactions in various circumstances.
3. Longitudinal Observation:
   • Conducted over an extended period.
   • Allows tracking of consistent behavior patterns.

    

Parameters for Observation May Include:

• • Activity level;
  • Intensity of emotional reactions;
  • Speed of adaptation to new situations;
  • Predominant mood;
  • Rhythm of biological processes;
  • Distractibility;
  • Persistence.

When using the observation method, it is important to be aware of possible perception biases and aim for an objective assessment.

Comprehensive Approach

The most accurate results come from a combination of various methods:

1. Psychological testing.
2. Structured observation.
3. Analysis of biographical data.
4. Interviews or self-reports.
5. Physiological assessments (if available).

It is important to note that identifying temperament is not a one-time process but rather the result of prolonged observation and analysis. Moreover, temperament is not the only factor influencing a person’s behavior. Character, values, life experiences, and situational factors also play significant roles.

Conclusion

Temperament represents a fundamental characteristic of personality, exerting a profound influence on all aspects of a person’s life. From emotional reactions to career choices, from communication style to coping mechanisms—temperament plays a key role in shaping each individual’s unique psychological profile.

Understanding temperament traits opens up vast opportunities for self-awareness and personal growth. It enables individuals to better recognize their strengths and areas for development, craft effective strategies for self-regulation and self-realization. In interpersonal relationships, awareness of temperament facilitates better communication, mutual understanding, and more effective conflict resolution.

In the field of education and child-rearing, taking temperament traits into account enables the creation of optimal conditions for each child’s development, minimizes stress, and maximizes students’ potential. In the professional realm, an understanding of temperament helps with career choice, enhances job satisfaction, and enables the creation of more effective work teams.

Modern research on temperament is opening new horizons in understanding individual differences. The study of the neurobiological foundations of temperament, its genetic correlates, and the influence of environmental factors promises to deepen our understanding of human nature. Cross-cultural and longitudinal studies will further clarify universal and culturally specific aspects of temperament, as well as its stability and variability over the lifespan.

The advancement of applied temperament research opens up new possibilities for creating personalized approaches in education, psychotherapy, and personnel management. Integrating knowledge of temperament with other areas of psychology will allow for a more holistic view of personality and its development.

In a world that values diversity and individual approaches, understanding temperament becomes key to creating a more inclusive and harmonious society. It helps us appreciate each person’s uniqueness, find common ground with people who differ from us, and build an environment where everyone can fulfill their potential.

Thus, studying temperament not only deepens our understanding of human nature but also provides practical tools for improving quality of life on both individual and societal levels. As science and technology evolve, we can anticipate new discoveries in this area, which will help us better understand and utilize the unique traits of each person.