Psychologists distinguish 4 types of temperament: sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic and choleric. Depending on which one dominates, a person has certain character traits. After reading this article, you can easily determine the type of temperament by describing your personal qualities. If you want to get a more accurate result, then you can pass the tests created for this purpose. About them will be discussed later.
History
Searching for the answer to the question “How to determine a person’s temperament?” engaged in a science such as psychology. At the origins of the doctrine of temperament is Hippocrates, who lived in ancient Greece. He believed that vital juices (blood, yellow and black bile, as well as phlegm) in certain proportions determine personal characteristics.
This idea was developed by the Roman Claudius Galen, who in his treatise gave the name to each of the 4 types of temperament. The word "choleric" is derived from the base "bile" in Greek. The terms "sanguine", "phlegmatic", "melancholic" are translated as "blood", "phlegm" and "black bile", respectively.
Currently, the type of temperament is not accepted to be identified with "life juices". Personal characteristics depend on the functioning of the nervous system. Such a theory was proposed by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. Modern scientists have come to the conclusion that the type of temperament is inherited, it is affected by the social environment, upbringing, and the individual’s ability to self-control.
Currently, there are a large number of books on how to determine the type of temperament. In addition to literature, you can take tests on the Internet or sign up for a consultation with a professional. However, you should not expect that the result will be one hundred percent. The fact is that the presence of only one type of temperament is impossible. Each individual has the features of all four species, just some of them are more pronounced.
Choleric
A person with a choleric type of temperament does not know how to control himself. Such people are often unrestrained and hot-tempered. Despite the unbridled disposition, they are quick-witted and quickly calm down after the manifestation of violent emotions. They say about them: "Flashed like a match!". Indeed, these people "start up" at a glance, but just as suddenly stop the surge of emotions. Choleric people deeply experience both happy and sad moments. The reaction to current events is not long in coming, it can be said, it is instantaneous.
All experiences are pronounced, intense and fleeting. To understand if you are a choleric, observe your behavior. Studying the depths of your personality will help you answer the question: "How to determine your temperament?" Choleric people are characterized by a rapid change in feelings and emotions. This can be seen by their expression, facial expressions and gestures. Ardor and passion, however, do not mean that the emotions of choleric are superficial. All experiences come from the depths of the soul, just people with this type of temperament quickly switch from one event to another.
Age features
Choleric at any age are impatient and sharp in communication, energetic gestures and facial expressions, fast pace of work. In childhood, children with this type of temperament are ringleaders in large companies, they easily incite peers to participate in various adventures. During puberty, adolescents become extremely active, can get involved in fights, be rude to teachers and even disrupt lessons! In adulthood, choleric people often notice hostility to monotonous work. They undertake a new business with enthusiasm, but very quickly "cool down", complete the activity they started hastily, work through their sleeves.
Melancholic
To understand how to determine your temperament, you need to get acquainted with each of the four varieties. Melancholy people are characterized by an unbalanced character. They deeply experience any events occurring with them, but do not give vent to emotions. Outwardly, they seem closed and unemotional. Such people have inexpressive, monotonous, restrained facial expressions. They do not gesticulate too actively.
The voice of the melancholy is quiet and expressionless. These people are distinguished by anxiety, vulnerability and sensitivity. They are wary of new activities, they are afraid of difficulties and avoid any unforeseen situations. Melancholy people prefer actions that can be performed without experiencing mental stress.
Mood, feelings and emotions are very uniform and stable. At first glance, these people seem too sad and gloomy, withdrawn and unsociable. They are very vulnerable, which is why they react painfully to failure and criticism. Any difficulties in life cause them depression. Melancholy is characterized by indecision and lack of strength, they are pessimistic about everything. They show disinterest in the work. Melancholy are treated as ephemeral creatures, unsuitable for life and flying in the clouds.
Age features
Children of a certain type of temperament behave differently. Melancholy children are calm and reserved, they are easily exposed to the influence of others. In the team they are offended, teased and called names. They can not resist injustice, they do not know how to assert their rights, which is why they often become the object of ridicule.
In adolescence, melancholics are difficult to adapt to new groups. They can become a “punching bag” for stronger guys. Teenagers are shy and shy, sometimes tearful and indecisive. At maturity, these character traits are preserved.
Sanguine
People with a sanguine type of temperament are balanced, quickly respond to events occurring with them, but their emotions are quite moderate. Mental processes are weakly intense, they are characterized by a constant change. New emotional states appear quickly, for them the depth is uncharacteristic.
How to determine your temperament? To do this, you need to take care of yourself. For example, if you notice that you have expressive and rich facial expressions, active gestures, then most likely you are a sanguine person. Such people are very mobile and cheerful. They are impressionable, react to all external stimuli. The sanguine people practically do not delve into their experiences, since they are passionate about the world around them.
People with this type of temperament are smart, a sharp mind allows them to easily solve all kinds of tasks, if they do not require a lot of work and perseverance. Sanguine people are positive about changing activities, quickly “catching fire” with new ideas. However, with the same speed, they leave what they started when they find an activity more interesting. Very often they make decisions hastily.
Sanguine people are sociable, they make contact with any people. Relations with them are very superficial, because the owners of this type of temperament do not become attached to others and easily part with friends and acquaintances. Sorrows and joys, resentment and reconciliation are quickly forgotten by sanguine people. The facial expressions and gestures of these people are very expressive, speech is quick.
Age features
Sanguine can work for a long time without feeling tired. They tend to choose a variety of activities, they feel uncomfortable doing monotonous work. Since childhood, sanguine people have a tendency to leadership. They are able to take responsibility. They are constantly looking for ways to get in the spotlight. Often people with a sanguine temperament make promises and do not fulfill them, admit their guilt and apologize, but continue to live in the old way.
Phlegmatic person
Personality features are manifested not only in the mental activity of a person. By movements, you can also determine the type of temperament. Phlegmatic people, for example, do not differ in activity. Their gestures are slow, sometimes lethargic. For people with this type of temperament, increased emotional excitability is uncharacteristic . Their feelings are replaced infrequently and slowly. Phlegmatic people are very calm and unperturbed, therefore it is difficult to get them crazy and make them enter into a conflict with someone. These people are very rarely seen excited or unassembled.
Gestures and facial expressions are monotonous. Speech seems inanimate, as it is not accompanied by body movements. Phlegmatic people first think about their decisions, but if they want to do something, they will confidently go towards their goal. They do not like change, so you need to warn them in advance about innovations.
Methodology G. Eisenck EPI
If you are interested in how to determine the type of person’s temperament, then most likely you are familiar with the technique of G. Eysenck. This test consists of 2 options with 57 questions each. To pass this test, you must answer the questions “yes” or “no”, while you must be extremely honest with yourself. There can be no wrong answers, because they are completely individual.
Questions are aimed at determining behavior and reactions to various situations. The results are revealed by several indicators, among which are the stability and instability of the reaction (neuroticism), introversion and extraversion.
Test A. Belova
One of the most popular tests for determining temperament is A. Belov's test. It consists of 40 questions, divided into 2 blocks. The structure of the test is similar to the method of G. Isaac. The subject is offered a series of statements that need to be answered with “Yes” or “No”. The results show the percentage of temperament types. Two of them are usually dominant.
Professional Techniques
How to determine your temperament? To do this, you can contact a professional. Psychologists use several techniques, including Temperament and Sociotypes, as well as Pavlovsky Questionnaire. The first technique is aimed at determining the combination of behavior in society with the type of temperament. The Pavlovsky Questionnaire, however, reveals the stability of the nervous system and the strength of the processes of inhibition and arousal.
How to determine the temperament of the child?
To understand what type of temperament your child does not have to go through many tests. It is enough to observe a boy or a girl, to analyze the attitude of children to daily activities.
- Choleric, as a rule, have increased excitability. In the game, they strive for leadership, are characterized by mobility and activity. Very quickly they get bored of the monotonous activity. Such children prefer football, basketball and dancing. They can unknowingly offend the people around them, so it is necessary to be patient in their upbringing.
- Sanguine people are very friendly and active, they easily switch to other activities and quickly get rid of grievances. These kids love team games like soccer and volleyball. Guys can be distracted and frivolous, but with the right education, you can get rid of these character traits.
- Phlegmatic people are silent and slow. These children want their own personal space. They do not show interest in various games, because they like to sleep and are not distinguished by a rich imagination. They like drawing, music and embroidery.
- Determine the type of temperament of the child by describing his personal qualities before he goes to school, otherwise difficulties may arise. For example, phlegmatic people quickly get tired, they switch from one activity to another for a long time. These children are very touchy and a little cowardly, because at first it may be difficult for them to get used to the new team. Peaceful activities, such as reading and drawing, are best suited for them.