Psychologists distinguish 4 types of temperament: sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic and choleric. Depending on which of them 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, you can take tests created for this purpose. They will be discussed later.
History
Searching for the answer to the question "How to determine the temperament of a person?" deals with the science of psychology. At the origins of the doctrine of temperament is Hippocrates, who lived in the days of ancient Greece. He believed that vital juices (blood, yellow and black bile, as well as phlegm) in certain proportions determine personality traits.
This idea was developed by the Roman Claudius Galen, who in his treatise gave a name to each of the 4 types of temperament. Word"choleric" is derived from the stem "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 "vital juices". Personal characteristics depend on the functioning of the nervous system. This theory was proposed by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. Modern scientists have come to the conclusion that the type of temperament is inherited, it is influenced 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, do 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 features of all four types, just some of them are more pronounced.
Choleric
A person with a choleric temperament type does not know how to control himself. Such people are often unrestrained and quick-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 "turn on" at a glance, but just as suddenly stop the surge of emotions. Choleric people experience both happy and sad moments deeply. The reaction to ongoing events is not long in coming, one might say, it is instantaneous.
All experiences are pronounced, intense and fleeting. To understand if you are a choleric, observe your behavior. Exploring the depths of your personality will help you answer the question: “How to determine your temperament?”. Cholerics are characterized by a rapid change of feelings and emotions. This can be seen in their facial expressions, facial expressions and gestures. Fervor and passion, however, do not mean that the emotions of choleric people 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 people at any age are distinguished by impatience and harshness in communication, energetic gestures and facial expressions, and a fast pace of work. In childhood, guys with this type of temperament are the ringleaders in large companies, they easily incite peers to participate in various adventures. During puberty, teenagers become extremely active, they can get into fights, be rude to teachers, and even disrupt classes! In adulthood, choleric people often notice a dislike for monotonous work. They take on a new business with enthusiasm, but they “cool down” very quickly, complete the activity they have begun hastily, work carelessly.
Melancholic
To understand how to determine your temperament, you need to get acquainted with each of the four varieties. Melancholics are characterized by an unbalanced character. They deeply experience any events that happen to them, but do not give vent to emotions. Outwardly, they appear closed andunemotional. Such people have inexpressive, monotonous, restrained facial expressions. They don't gesticulate too much.
The voice of melancholic is quiet and inexpressive. These people are characterized by anxiety, vulnerability and sensitivity. They are wary of new activities, afraid of difficulties and avoid any unforeseen situations. Melancholics prefer activities that can be performed without experiencing mental stress.
Mood, feelings and emotions are very monotonous 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 failures and criticism. Any difficulties in life cause them depression. Melancholics are characterized by indecision and lack of strength, they are pessimistic about everything. They show disinterest in work. Melancholics are treated as ephemeral creatures, unadapted to life and flying in the clouds.
Age features
Children of a certain type of temperament behave differently. Melancholic children are calm and withdrawn, they are easily influenced by others. In the team they are offended, teased and called names. They cannot resist injustice, they do not know how to defend their rights, which is why they often become the object of ridicule.
In adolescence, melancholics have a hard time adapting to new teams. They can become a "punching bag" for stronger guys. Teens are differenttimidity, shyness, sometimes they show tearfulness and indecision. In maturity, these character traits are preserved.
Sanguine
People with a sanguine type of temperament are balanced, quickly react to events happening to them, but their emotions are rather moderate. Mental processes are weakly intense, they are characterized by a constant change. New emotional states emerge quickly and lack depth.
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. Sanguine people practically do not go deep into their experiences, as they are passionate about the world around them.
People with this type of temperament are quick-witted, a sharp mind allows them to easily solve all kinds of problems, if they do not require much work and perseverance. Sanguine people have a positive attitude to the change of activity, they quickly “light up” with new ideas. However, with the same speed they leave what they started when they find something 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 fast.
Age features
Sanguine people are able to work for a long time without feeling tired. They tend to choose a variety of activities, feel uncomfortable doing monotonous work. From childhood, sanguine people show a penchant for leadership. They are able to take responsibility. They are constantly looking for ways to be the center of attention. Often people with a sanguine type of temperament make promises and do not keep them, admit their guilt and apologize, but continue to live as before.
Phlegmatic
Personality features are manifested not only in the mental activity of a person. By movements, you can also determine the type of human temperament. Phlegmatic people, for example, do not differ in activity. Their gestures are slow, sometimes sluggish. For people with this type of temperament, increased emotional excitability is uncharacteristic. Their feelings change infrequently and slowly. Phlegmatic people are very calm and unperturbed, so it is difficult to piss them off and force them to come into conflict with someone. These people are very rarely seen excited or uncomposed.
Gestures and facial expressions are monotonous. Speech seems lifeless, as it is not accompanied by body movements. Phlegmatic people first think about their decisions, but if they want to do something, then they will confidently go towards their goal. They do not like change, so it is necessary to warn them in advance about innovations.
Methodology G. Eysenck EPI
If you are interested,how to determine the type of human temperament, then, most likely, you are familiar with the method of G. Eysenck. This test consists of 2 variants with 57 questions each. To pass this test, you must answer the questions "yes" or "no", while you need to 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 by A. Belov
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 presented with a series of statements, which must be answered "Yes" or "No". The results show the percentage of temperament types. Two of them tend to be dominant.
Professional techniques
How to determine your temperament? To do this, you can contact a professional. Psychologists use several methods, including Temperament and Sociotypes, as well as the Pavlovian Questionnaire. The first technique is aimed at determining the combination of behavior in society with the type of temperament. The Pavlovian Questionnaire, on the other hand, makes it possible to reveal the stability of the nervous system and the strength of the processes of inhibition and excitation.
How to determine the temperament of a child?
To understand what type of temperamentyour child does not need to take many tests. It is enough to observe a boy or a girl, to analyze the attitude of children to daily activities.
- Choleric people, as a rule, have increased excitability. In the game, they strive for leadership, are distinguished by mobility and activity. Very quickly they get bored with monotonous activities. Such children prefer football, basketball and dancing. They may unknowingly offend people around them, so be patient in their upbringing.
- Sanguine people are very friendly and active, they easily switch to other activities and quickly hammer grievances. These kids love team games like football and volleyball. Guys can be absent-minded and frivolous, but with the right upbringing, these character traits can be eliminated.
- Phlegmatic people are silent and slow. These kids want their own space. They do not show interest in various games, as they like to sleep and do not have a rich imagination. They enjoy drawing, music and embroidery.
