Mental Health Notes

Humor Me: The Four Temperaments Theory Of Psychology

by Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader on April 28th, 2008

Are you familiar with the Four Temperaments theory of psychology, also known as the four “humors” or “personality types”?

As an English major in college, I was exposed to all sorts of information that was indirectly related to English, at best. I vaguely remember discussing the Four Temperaments theory of psychology; vaguely, because only the words “bile,” “blood,” “phlegm,” and “choleric” stand out in my mind. I believe some famous old poet mentioned the “humors” in one of his poems.

Actually, now that I think about it, I believe I also read about them in both my philosophy and various psychology classes.

Again, it’s all vague.

Anyway, I hadn’t thought much, if at all, of the Four Temperaments until this weekend. A friend of mine mentioned he was Sanguine.

ME: “What? Sanguine? You’re ‘Sanguine’? What are you talking about?”
HIM: “I’m ‘Sanguine.’ It’s a personality type. A temperament.”
ME: “Huh? Explain yourself.”
HIM: “There are four temperaments, or personality types: Choleric, Melancholy, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic. I took a quiz and I’m Sanguine. And, I think you may be Choleric.”
ME: “Oh! I think I know what you’re talking about. And, no, I’m probably Melancholy.”

Shortly after the conversation, I took the quiz and sure enough, I’m Melancholy, which, among other things, could mean:

• Within myself, I may be deep and thoughtful, as well as moody and depressed.
• At work, I may be a perfectionist with high standards, and become depressed over imperfections.
• As a parent, I may encourage scholarship and talent, though I may set goals too high.
• As a friend, I may try to solve other people’s problems, but I may be critical of others.
• As a significant other, I may seek an ideal mate, while also holding back affections.

Yep, sounds like moi. However, over the past few years I’ve definitely been working on the criticalness, getting depressed over imperfections, and setting goals too high (I’m not a parent, but I do tend to try to help people set their goals, and oftentimes I reach too far to begin).

Wikipedia offers a decent look at the Four Temperaments (including the history and definitions of), and about a gazillion Web sites offer online quizzes to help you determine your temperament. Try the quizzes at All the Tests, 4marks, and OneIShy, which also provides organized, bulleted lists of the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament.

And, remember: These are just for fun. I highly doubt an online quiz is going to solve all the mysteries of your mind, though it may give you some insight about your thoughts and feelings.

The above image belongs to SqueakyMarmot and is being used according to these Creative Commons attributions.

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POSTED IN: Depression, Have Some Fun, Mood Disorders, Sites of Interest