Logoshchuk
Maria
Dragomanov
National Pedagogical University
The
Institute of Corrective Pedagogy and Psychology, student
Pet’ko Lyudmila,
Scientific supervisor,
Ph.D., Associate Professor,
Dragomanov
National Pedagogical University (Ukraine,
Kyiv)
TEMPERAMENT
In psychology, temperament
refers to those aspects of an individual's personality, such as introversion or extroversion, that are often regarded as innate rather than
learned. A great many classificatory schemes for temperament have been
developed; none, though, has achieved general consensus in academia.
Historically, the concept of temperament was part of the theory of the four humours, with their corresponding four temperaments [5; 6].
It is possible to say that Dr. David Keirsey has identified mankind's
four basic temperaments as the Artisan (Barbara Streizand), the Guardian
(Mother Teresa), the Rational (Albert Einstein, Margaret Thatcher) and the
Idealist (Lady Di) [3; 7].
If we consider
the reaction of various persons to the same experience, we will find that it is
different in every one of them; it may be quick and lasting, or slow but
lasting; or it may be quick but of short duration, or slow and of short
duration. This manner of reaction, or the different degrees of excitability, is
what we call “temperament” [1]. There are four temperaments: the choleric, the
melancholic, the sanguine, and the phlegmatic. Knowledge of the temperament of
any person supplies the answer to the questions: How does this person deport
himself? How does he feel moved to action whenever something impresses him
strongly? [2].
The choleric person
is quickly and vehemently excited by any impression made; he tends to react
immediately, and the impression lasts a long time and easily induces new
excitement. The choleric man is a man of enthusiasm; he is not satisfied with
the ordinary, but aspires after great and lofty things. He craves for great
success in temporal affairs; he seeks large fortunes, a vast business, an
elegant home, a distinguished reputation or
a predominant position. He aspires to the highest also in matters spiritual; he
is swayed with a consuming fire for holiness; he is filled with a yearning
desire to make great sacrifices for God and his neighbor, to lead many souls to
heaven.
The person of sanguine
temperament, like the choleric, is quickly and strongly excited by the slightest impression,
and tends to react immediately, but the impression does not last; it soon fades
away. The sanguine person is quickly aroused and vehemently excited by whatever
influences him. The reaction follows immediately, but the impression lasts but
a short time. Consequently the remembrance of the impression does not easily
cause new excitement. The sanguine naturally denies such charges, because he
always finds a reason for his changes.
The melancholic individual is at first only
slightly excited by any impression received; a reaction does not set in at all
or only after some time. But the impression remains deeply rooted, especially
if new impressions of the same kind are repeated. The melancholic person is but
feebly excited by whatever acts upon him. Confession is a great burden to the
melancholic, while it is comparatively easy to the sanguine. The melancholic
wants to manifest himself, but cannot; the choleric can express himself easily,
but does not want to. The melancholic is irresolute. On account of too many
considerations and too much fear of difficulties and of the possibility that
his plans or works may fail, the melancholic can hardly reach a decision. He is
inclined to defer his decision [2; 3].
The phlegmatic person is only slightly
excited by any impression made upon him; he has scarcely any inclination to
react, and the impression vanishes quickly.
The soul or mind of the phlegmatic person is only weakly or not at all
touched by impressions. The reaction is feeble or entirely missing. Eventual
impressions fade away very soon.
It is important to note, however, that the training of phlegmatic
children is very difficult, because external influence has little effect upon
them and internal personal motives are lacking. It is necessary to explain everything
most minutely to them, and repeat it again and again, so that at least some
impression may be made to last, and to accustom them by patience and charity to
follow strictly a well-planned rule of life. The application of corporal
punishment is less dangerous in the education of phlegmatic children; it is
much more beneficial to them than to other children, especially to those of
choleric or melancholic temperament.
In other cases most people have a mixed temperament. The choleric and sanguine temperaments
are active, the melancholic and
phlegmatic temperaments are passive. The
choleric and sanguine show a strong tendency to action; the melancholic and phlegmatic, on the
contrary, are inclined to slow movement.
The
choleric and melancholic temperaments are of a passionate
nature; they shake the very soul and act like an earthquake. The sanguine and phlegmatic are
passionless temperaments; they do not lead to great and lasting mental
excitement [2].
In conclusion, it is interesting to notice the four temperaments by D.Keirsey [3;
7]. As Concrete Cooperators, Guardians (40%) speak mostly of their duties and responsibilities, of what
they can keep an eye on and take good care of, and they're careful to obey the
laws, follow the rules, and respect the rights of others. As Abstract
Cooperators, Idealists (10%) speak mostly of what they hope for and
imagine might be possible for people, and they want to act in good conscience,
always trying to reach their goals without compromising their personal code of
ethics. As Concrete Utilitarians, Artisans (38%) speak mostly
about what they see right in front of them, about what they can get their hands
on, and they will do whatever works, whatever gives them a quick, effective
payoff, even if they have to bend the rules. As Abstract Utilitarians, Rationals
(12%) speak mostly of what new problems intrigue them and what new solutions they envision, and always
pragmatic, they act as efficiently as possible to achieve their objectives,
ignoring arbitrary rules and conventions if need be.
Bibliography
2. Hock Conrad.
The Four Temperaments [Web
site]. – Access mode: http://angelicum.net/newsroom/the-four-temperaments-by-rev-conrad-hock/
3.
Keirsey David. Overview on Four Temperament [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/overview_temperaments.asp
4. Temperaments [Web site]. – Access
mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TiM0-ZWAws
5. Temperament [Web site]. – Access
mode: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperament