A peak inside Temperament Theory and how it can benefit you …

When we think of human behavior, popular psychology often simplifies it into four basic temperaments: Melancholy, Choleric, Phlegmatic, and Sanguine. This oversimplification, however, fails to capture the true complexity and richness of human temperament. In reality, temperament theory, as researched and advanced by Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno, reveals a far more intricate and nuanced picture of who we are and how we interact with the world. Their extensive research has not only introduced a fifth temperament, Supine, but also demonstrated how our temperaments blend and interact in multiple dimensions of our lives.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FIVE TEMPERAMENTS
Temperament theory identifies five distinct temperaments, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Following is a summary “introduction” to the five temperaments:

Melancholy. Melancholies are deep thinkers and can be perfectionists, characterized by their introspective, detail-oriented, and analytical nature. They strive for excellence and can be prone to feelings of inadequacy when their high standards are not met.

Choleric. Cholerics are decisive, goal-oriented, and natural leaders. Their assertiveness and independence drive them to achieve their objectives, often thriving on challenges and displaying a strong will. however, the Cholerics can be dominant and controlling.

Phlegmatic. Phlegmatics are calm, reliable, and easy-going. Their natural inclination toward peace and stability makes them excellent at diffusing tension and maintaining harmony, though they may sometimes struggle with motivation and assertiveness.

Sanguine. Sanguines are sociable, enthusiastic, and lively. They thrive on social interactions and enjoy being the center of attention. While their energetic and optimistic nature makes them engaging, they may find it challenging to maintain focus on tasks.

Supine. Supines are gentle, service-oriented individuals who are highly responsive to the needs of others. They seek affirmation and appreciation and have a strong desire to help and please, although they may feel unappreciated if their efforts go unnoticed.

THE INTRICACIES OF TEMPERAMENT
Drs. Arno’s approach to temperament theory goes beyond merely categorizing individuals into these five types. Their research has shown that temperament manifests in three key areas of life:

• • Inclusion. This area deals with our need to associate and socialize on a surface level, and our intellectual energies
  • Control. This concerns our decision-making processes and our need to control situations and people, to do that for others, or have others do that for us.
  • Affection. This area pertains to our need for love, attention, affection, approval — our deep, personal relationships.

Each of these areas has both an “expressed” temperament (how we naturally behave) and a “wanted” temperament (how we wish others would behave toward us). This dual aspect leads to a highly personalized and complex picture of an individual’s temperament, recognizing that people can exhibit different temperaments in different contexts.

For instance, a person might have a Sanguine temperament in Inclusion (expressed as highly sociable) but a Phlegmatic temperament in Control (expressed as laid-back and non-assertive). They might also want others to approach them with a Melancholy temperament in Affection (seeking deep, meaningful connections). Understanding these blended temperaments allows for a more comprehensive view of an individual’s behavior and needs.

COMPULSIVE TEMPERAMENT TRAITS
A profound aspect of temperament theory is the concept of compulsive temperament traits. These traits represent an innate drivenness that can manifest in various ways, often serving as a root cause of behaviors and conditions such as addictions. Compulsivity is not merely exaggerated behavior but an intrinsic, often unconscious, compulsion to act in certain ways to meet innate needs. Recognizing and addressing these compulsive traits is crucial for mental and emotional health, providing insight into deeper issues that can affect one’s well-being.

SOME BENEFITS OF UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEMPERAMENT
Understanding your temperament can provide profound benefits, both personally and professionally:

• • Recognizing innate needs. Knowing your temperament is crucial for understanding your in-born or innate needs. This awareness allows you to assess if you’re meeting these needs in a healthy and godly way, leading to greater personal fulfillment and well-being.
  • Improved relationships. By understanding your own temperament and that of others, you can enhance communication and build stronger, more empathetic relationships. You’ll be better equipped to meet the emotional and social needs of those around you.
  • Conflict resolution. Understanding your temperament can help you manage conflicts more effectively. You’ll gain insight into why certain situations trigger specific reactions and learn how to address them constructively.
  • Career advancement. Knowledge of your temperament can guide you toward roles and environments where you are most likely to thrive, increasing job satisfaction and performance.

HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR TEMPERAMENT
To determine your temperament, a formal assessment is required, which can be administered by a certified temperament therapist using the Arno Profile System. This comprehensive assessment evaluates your expressed and wanted behaviors in Inclusion, Control, and Affection, providing a detailed profile of your unique temperament blend.

The study of temperament as taught offers a sophisticated and insightful framework for understanding human behavior. By moving beyond the simplicity of a pop psychology approach of four temperaments and considering the intricate ways in which temperaments blend across different areas of our lives, we gain a richer and more accurate understanding of ourselves and others. This knowledge not only enhances personal growth but also fosters healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Scotty