Human temperament

One of the most recurrent themes in the study of psychology focuses its efforts on understanding how the human temperament works. It is indisputable that people have a unique and different way of thinking when compared to that of others, however it is possible to identify common patterns that are classifiable.

It describes how the way of thinking and behaving is like, it involves analyzing in greater depth all the elements that can influence the psychosomatic development of a person . For this reason, the human temperament is the way that is used to refer to the set of tendencies or inclinations that remain unchanged throughout a person’s life.

What is the human temperament from the point of view of psychology? 

The human temperament is defined as a system made up of distinctive aspects that are part of the personality of each individual. That is, they are qualities or characteristics that a person manifests and is used to following, these elements help to build a basic structure on which the personality with its particularities is constituted.

Because the theories and concepts used in the psychological field are constantly evolving and adding new discoveries, the concept of human temperament has undergone certain changes. In recent years it has begun to be used to refer to the inheritable aspects of the personality, the possibility of a biological influence that is combined with external elements arises .

It is considered that temperament shapes character and personality , being well of it builds the foundations of the belief system. Therefore, it will be begun to consider that a large part of these characteristics are determined from birth.

It is a subject that has already been studied since ancient times, one of the first to focus his attention in the field of psychology and temperament was Hippocrates. From his theories, new questions and ideas that highlight innate characteristics would begin to be raised .

According to recent discoveries in the field of genetics, it has been proven that this is an important component to configure the personality. This means that temperament cannot be changed and it is also independent of the event states to which people are exposed on a daily basis.

What are its psychological characteristics? 

It is usual for the terms character and temperament to be confused because they maintain a close relationship in terms of describing the way of thinking and acting of people. The difference between the two lies in the fact that temperament has a genetic origin, while character is used to be influenced by external elements.

Temperament shapes part of a person’s character, so it is possible to react in a certain way to certain stimuli. The way of behaving, the attitudes and the vocation that are in the manifesto is based on how this system is built. In it intelligence, will, instincts, affective capacities and others are united , the way in which they interact and their prevalence is what defines the personality.

Next, other important characteristics of the human temperament are described , in a generalized way, which are the most remarkable aspects that are presented in most of the cases are mentioned. They are as follows:

• The temperament is unique and is distinguished in that it is constituted in a natural way , being provides the characteristics of the behavior with which people act with their environment.
• Determines the ability to adapt to changes and circumstances hitherto unknown, intervenes in moods as well as passivity or reaction.
• It is characterized by showing aspects of the nervous system of people that Vienna a clear influence to endocrine.
• Temperament has been used as a resource that allows a more precise understanding of behavior , this has been applied in the field of psychology in a formal way from the twentieth century.
• Temperament remains with the same characteristics throughout a person’s life. It is considered to be stable and persistent even though it may have been influenced by experiences.
• It is a fundamental part of the psyche of people, it is non-transferable so it cannot be repeated even if compared to others.

The main types of temperaments and examples 

At present, the classification proposed by Hippocrates is still used as a reference , where he proposes the existence of four main types of temperaments. Up next, each of the preview are described:

1. Blood temperament

It is described as a temperament that is completely detached from the speed and balance that the nervous system maintains to circulate the blood. This means that depending on the excess of blood it is possible that the person shows a temperament characterized by a high level of sensitivity , concentration, lack of activity and in the face of changes is flexible.

For most experts, people who have a sanguine temperament are cheerful, social, communicative, outgoing and optimistic at the same time they always exhibit enthusiasm. They must also show certain aspects considered more negative such as emotional instability, self-centeredness, lack of willpower and discipline.

This is a temperament that is in stopping in will give greater importance to feelings about responsibilities. They are individuals who constantly need to receive affection and who are also susceptible to changing moods.

2. Temperamento colérico

This is perhaps the temperament that is most susceptible to changes originating within the nervous system. If in this increase the speed of blood circulation can cause a greater activity for attention and concentration. This individual shows higher levels of sensitivity, they are more daring, excitable, outgoing, irascible and above all impulsive.

People who have the choleric temperament are usually self-sufficient and independent than their personal and professional life. It can be said that they are imposing, determined to take initiatives, they are imposing and dominant. But we must also mention those aspects that are less positive, since they tend to be manipulative, seek to stand out and will take any action that makes it easier for them to access and achieve their goals.

3. Melancholic temperament

It is a temperament that is characterized by zero the result of the functioning of a weak nervous system . Consequently, in these individuals a high level of sensitivity, concentration and a low degree of flexibility in the face of changes predominate.

It is a temperament associated with introverts, there is little expressiveness, pessimism, distrust , internal suffering and also few skills to socialize. Generally it will also be associated with deep depressive states, you will be people constantly keep their thoughts focused on reflecting on concerns or difficulties to which they still cannot find solutions.

4. Phlegmatic temperament

This is a temperament that is the result of a slow but balanced nervous system. Those who have this temperament are characterized by having a lower level of sensitivity, it is combined with a high mental activity that makes them prone to have greater concentration and attention. However, they are not flexible in the face of changes.

It is associated with introverted and calm people, it can be said that they are in a greater and better emotional balance . They exhibit a calm, serious, rational, analytical and also apathetic demeanor. But status also means that they never lose their composure and it is difficult for them to react emotionally.

Ideal individuals tend to be zero when making important decisions due to their passibility. They are not individuals who are used to getting involved in other people’s activities, they keep their interest in their inner life. But this also means that they have few expressive capacities applied to their affective relationships.