Galen’s theory
Galen’s theory of the four temperaments was rejected by modern medical science, however it has remained a known psychological subject.
Where did the theory of the four temperaments originate from?
We are all aware of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Well, the Roman philosopher and physician Claudius Galen took these four elements and formulated a concept of personality types based on them, which became widely referenced today!
Starting from the greek theory of humourism, when the greek philosopher Empedocles suggested the different qualities of the four elements, Galen expanded onto temperamental characteristics. That’s how the idea of the four temperaments- sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric and melancholic- was born. Each of these represents an excess of one of the humours in the body: sanguine of blood, phlegmatic of phlegm, choleric of yellow bile, and melancholic of black bile.
What are the four personality types?
The predominance of one of the humours mentioned above results in that personality type being more dominant than the others. The two personality types in the extraversion area are choleric (touchy, restless, aggressive, impulsive, optimistic, active, excitable) and sanguine (cheery, carefree, lively, responsive, easy-going, outgoing, talkative). On the other hand, the two belonging to the introversion area are melancholic (quiet, reserved, anxious, moody, inclanations thowards art, pessimistic) and phlegmatic (passive, careful, controlled, calm, reliable, peaceful). The image attached to this article can help with a better visualisation of the four temperaments!
To expand a little on each of the four, I’ll start with explaining the choleric one. It is marked by passion, and it is represented by the element of fire and the season of summer. Cholerics can make great leaders, they are driven by action and are fond of challenges. This temperament is widely found in youth, when children are full of energy.
When it comes to the sanguine temperament, it is associated with the season of spring and the element of air. Sanguine persons are fun, loving, while also ready for change and diversity. They are able to let go of things and move on easily, or at least easier than other temperaments.
Melancholics are associated with the representative season of autumn and the element of earth. They tend to get lost into self-pity and contemplation of everything, but make great artists and humanitarians. They are usually introverted, and value their inner-life over their outer one, but are very compassionate.
The phlegmatic behaviour is associated with the season of winter and the element of water. Phlegmatic persons are introverted, perceptive and quite fond of routines. They are even-tempered, calm, slow and quiet, but can be surprisingly stubborn if pushed to do something they are not willing to do.
Sources:
Collin, C., Benson, N., Ginsburg, J., Grand, V., Lazyan, M., & Weeks, M. (2012). Psychology Book : Big Ideas simply explained. http://library.fip.uny.ac.id/opac/index.php?p=show_detail&id=9056&keywords=
