Temperaments dictate a person’s personality and also how they interact with other individuals. Temperaments can be dominant, passive, outgoing, or more sensitive. A person’s personality overall is far more broad than a temperament and includes many more types of traits. Personalities are more likely to change over time while a temperament is far harder to alter. Temperaments form at a young age and remain a constant. Individuals can still alter their temperament, but this takes serious time and effort.
A temperament also plays a large role with how one responds to anger and rage. Individuals who are naturally more laid back obviously will control anger and emotion far greater than someone who is more dominant or emotional. How temperaments affect one’s anger is key. This is why it is essential for individuals to understand their own temperament to better regulate their own emotions. Anger Management techniques emphasize understanding one’s own temperament to better access one’s proneness to rage.
The article, “Temperaments: Which of the 4 Types Are You?” by Toketemu Ohwovoriole looks at the four temperaments of choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic. The article also helps one determine what temperament they may possess. Ultimately, since human beings are so unique, they may have different temperament traits intermixed with one temperament the more dominant one and another far less manifested. The article states,
“Human beings are diverse and complex individuals. No single person fits squarely under one particular type. However, you are likely to exhibit behaviors associated with one style primarily; this could be referred to as your dominant temperament. You may also have less prevalent behaviors that belong to other temperament types. For instance, a person may exhibit behaviors that come across as moody, stoic, and reserved, which are characteristically melancholic but can also be dominant and assertive, which are characteristically choleric.”
“Temperaments: Which of the 4 Types Are You?”. Toketemu Ohwovoriole. March 14th, 2023. Yahoo News.
To read the entire article, please click here
Commentary
The concept of the four temperaments dates back to ancient Greece, where physicians and philosophers believed that our personality was determined by the balance of bodily fluids or “humors.” The four temperaments were named after these bodily fluids, which were blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. The theory was that an excess or deficiency of any of these fluids would result in a particular temperament.
Over time, the four temperaments evolved into a psychological concept that described our inherent characteristics. The four temperaments are sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Each temperament represents a unique set of traits and characteristics that influence our behavior, emotions, and social interactions.
History and Background of the Four Temperaments
The earliest known mention of the four temperaments was by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who described them in his medical works. He believed that our temperament was influenced by the balance of bodily fluids and that each temperament was associated with a particular bodily fluid. The four temperaments gained popularity during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where they were used to describe the characters in literature and art.
In the 20th century, the four temperaments gained a new interpretation through the works of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst. Jung believed that our temperament was determined by our innate psychological preferences, such as the way we perceive and process information. He also developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a tool that helps individuals identify their psychological preferences and personality type.
Understanding the Four Temperaments
Sanguine Temperament
The sanguine temperament is associated with the bodily fluid blood and is characterized by a lively and outgoing personality. Sanguine individuals are sociable, talkative, and optimistic. They enjoy being around people and are excellent at making new friends. They are also creative, imaginative, and have a good sense of humor.
However, sanguine individuals can also be impulsive, disorganized, and have difficulty focusing on tasks. They may struggle with deadlines and may have difficulty following through on commitments.
Choleric Temperament
The choleric temperament is associated with the bodily fluid yellow bile and is characterized by a driven and goal-oriented personality. Choleric individuals are confident, assertive, and decisive. They are natural leaders and are excellent at making quick decisions. They are also ambitious, competitive, and enjoy taking risks.
However, choleric individuals can also be impatient, argumentative, and may struggle with anger and frustration. They may have difficulty listening to others and may come across as insensitive.
Melancholic Temperament
The melancholic temperament is associated with the bodily fluid black bile and is characterized by a sensitive and introspective personality. Melancholic individuals are analytical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. They are excellent at problem-solving and can see things from multiple perspectives. They are also empathetic, compassionate, and have a deep understanding of human emotions.
However, melancholic individuals can also be moody, anxious, and may struggle with self-doubt. They may have difficulty making decisions and may experience analysis paralysis.
Phlegmatic Temperament
The phlegmatic temperament is associated with the bodily fluid phlegm and is characterized by a calm and peaceful personality. Phlegmatic individuals are easy-going, relaxed, and have a laid-back attitude. They are excellent at maintaining social harmony and avoiding conflict. They are also patient, empathetic, and have a good sense of humor.
However, phlegmatic individuals can also be indecisive, passive, and may struggle with procrastination. They may have difficulty taking action and may need external motivation to get things done.
Discovering Your Temperament
Understanding your temperament is essential for personal growth and development. There are several assessments and tools available that can help you identify your temperament type. One of the most popular tools is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on their preferences for perceiving and judging information.
Other tools include the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, which categorizes individuals into four temperament types based on their communication and social styles, and the Enneagram, which categorizes individuals into nine personality types based on their core motivations and fears. In discovering one’s temperament, one can better access how anger plays a role in one’s life.
Applying Knowledge of Your Temperament in Personal and Professional Settings
Once you have identified your temperament type, you can use this knowledge to improve your personal and professional relationships. For example, if you are a sanguine individual, you may need to work on your organizational skills and focus to improve your productivity. If you are a choleric individual, you may need to work on your listening skills and emotional intelligence to improve your interpersonal relationships.
In the workplace, understanding your temperament can help you communicate effectively with your colleagues and improve your teamwork skills. For example, if you are a phlegmatic individual, you may be an excellent mediator and peacemaker in conflict resolution situations.
Conclusion – Embracing Your Unique Temperament for Personal Growth and Success
In conclusion, understanding your temperament is essential for personal growth and success. By identifying your temperament type, you can gain insight into your personality, behavior, and social interactions. You can use this knowledge to improve your personal and professional relationships and achieve your goals. Embrace your unique temperament and use it as a tool for self-improvement and personal growth.
Anger is a natural emotion. Those who are more prone to it through their temperament need to be aware of this. Through awareness of temperament, individuals can better manage themselves and anger. Knowing thyself is always key!
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to help others manage their anger.
Additional Resources
“Is There an Angry Personality?”. Steven Stosney, PhD. November 30th, 2020. Psychology Today. Access here
“Anger and the Four Personality Type Strategies”. Gina Barreca. 16Personalites. Access here
“Anger Issues: Nature vs Nurture–Why Does it Matter?”. Bernard Golden. October 8th, 2018.
“Why Am I So Angry?”. Erica Cirino. March 30th, 2023. HealthLine. Access here