What is the difference between the concepts of "character" and "temperament"? Temperament is what a person receives at birth. Properties, behavioral motives, and skills that are genetically engineered. A character is developed with experience, often in an attempt to change temperament. For example, from childhood, a shy young man in adulthood becomes more determined, because he attended acting classes and developed the ability to boldly speak in public. Here, shyness is a trait of temperament. And acquired determination is a character trait. Diagnosis of your own temperament contributes to the formation of character, if you work on yourself. Self-knowledge at the psychological level allows you to discover positive personality traits and work on negative ones. Diagnosis of the child ’s temperament will give parents a key to his upbringing, tell you how to handle the baby so that he hears and understands correctly.
Temperaments
Ever since school, everyone knows the four types of temperament into which people are divided. The distinction is made depending on the behavioral reactions to the alleged events, and clear patterns of behavior are formed from them. Interestingly, character traits can appear in a person, regardless of the type of temperament. Many do not think about this, confusing concepts or combining them into one. But from these differences it is clearly seen that each person is unique, since events, worldly experiences, childhood, social environment - all this educates the character.
Temperament Properties
Manifestations of properties depending on the type of personality are significantly different. This is what makes it possible to conduct a qualitative diagnosis of temperament and character.
1. Sensitivity. This definition characterizes the individual's response to external stimuli. Each of the types reacts differently, one will show a violent reaction if touched. Another will not pay attention.
2. Reactivity. It is characterized by an involuntary reaction to external or internal stimuli, such as sharp sounds, loud music or screaming.
3. Activity. Refers to the reaction to the outside world. Purposefulness, willingness to overcome difficulties, the ability to steadfastly resist life's turmoil.
4. Plasticity (rigidity). Property to adapt to changing circumstances. Life flexibility.
5. The pace of reactive activity. Speed reaction. The ability to quickly respond to stimuli.
6. Introversion (extraversion). Ability to make quick decisions. The speed of perception of information.
7. Emotional excitability. External manifestations of the response.
Based on the listed properties, a complex diagnosis of temperament types is built. How to understand what type of self you are? The properties of the types of temperaments are also associated with the hormonal nature, physiological processes in the body, and the structure of the figure.
Method for determining the type of temperament
The most extensive and popular way is Eysenck’s temperament diagnostic method.
Hans Jürgen Eisenck is a British psychologist. Developed a system of questions, answering which “yes” or “no” can diagnose the properties and types of temperaments. The result of passing the questionnaire will be the identification of a real self, taking into account introversion and extraversion. The technique also reveals the emotional stability of the individual. Eysenck test is a classic method of determining the typology of personality, one of the most used in modern psychology.
Eysenck Questionnaire
So answer a series of questions. Do not think for a long time about the answers, act at the behest of consciousness. Put a plus next to the question number if the answer is yes. And minus if the answer is no.
Questionnaire text:
1. Do you often feel a craving for new experiences, to distract yourself, to experience strong feelings?
2. Do you often feel that you need friends who can understand, encourage, sympathize with you?
3. Do you consider yourself a carefree person?
4. Is it very difficult for you to give up your intentions?
5. Do you think about your affairs slowly and prefer to wait before acting?
6. Do you always keep your promises, even if it is not profitable for you?
7. Do you often have ups and downs of mood?
8. Do you usually act and speak fast?
9. Have you ever had the feeling that you are unhappy, although there was no serious reason for this?
10. Is it true that you can decide on everything?
11. Do you feel embarrassed when you want to meet a person of the opposite sex that you like?
12. Does it ever happen that, when you get angry, you lose your temper?
13. How often does it happen that you act thoughtlessly, under the influence of the moment?
14. Do you often worry about the idea that you shouldn't have done or said anything?
15. Do you prefer reading books to meetings with people?
16. Is it true that you are easily hurt?
17. Do you like to be in the company often?
18. Do you have thoughts that you would not want to share with others?
19. Is it true that sometimes you are so full of energy that everything burns in your hands, and sometimes you feel tired?
20. Do you try to limit your circle of acquaintances to a small number of closest friends?
21. Do you dream a lot?
22. When they shout at you, do you answer the same?
23. Do you find all your habits good?
24. Do you often feel that you are to blame for something?
25. Are you sometimes able to give vent to your feelings and carefree fun in a fun company?
26. Can you say that your nerves are often stretched to the limit?
27. Do you become a person alive and cheerful?
28. After the work is done, do you often mentally return to it and think that you could do better?
29. Do you feel uneasy being in a big company?
30. Does it happen that you transmit rumors?
31. Does it ever happen that you can’t sleep because different thoughts get into your head?
32. If you want to know something, do you prefer to find it in a book or ask people?
33. Do you have a strong heartbeat?
34. Do you like work that requires concentration?
35. Do you have shivering attacks?
36. Do you always tell the truth?
37. Do you find it unpleasant to be in a company where you make fun of each other?
38. Are you annoyed?
39. Do you like work that requires speed?
40. Is it true that you are often haunted by thoughts of various troubles and horrors that could happen, although everything ended well?
41. Is it true that you are unhurried in your movements and somewhat slow?
42. Are you ever late for work or meeting someone?
43. Do you often have nightmares?
44. Is it true that you love talking so much that you do not miss any opportunity to talk with a new person?
45. Do you have any pains?
46. Would you be upset if you could not see your friends for a long time?
47. Are you a nervous person?
48. Are there among your friends those that you clearly don't like?
49. Are you a confident person?
50. Is criticism of your shortcomings or your work easily offended by you?
51. Is it difficult for you to get real pleasure from events in which many people participate?
52. Does it bother you that you are worse than others?
53. Would you be able to bring revival to a boring company?
54. Does it happen that you are talking about things that you do not understand at all?
55. Do you worry about your health?
56. Do you like to make fun of others?
57. Do you suffer from insomnia?
Deciphering the result
All questions are divided into groups that relate to the personality traits of the individual. Count how many times you answered yes or no to questions by numbers in each group.
Processing Results:
1. Extraversion - the sum of the answers “Yes” in questions 1, 3, 8, 10, 13, 17, 22, 25, 27, 39, 44, 46, 49, 53, 56, and the answers “No” in questions 5 , 15, 20, 29, 32, 37, 41, 51.
If the total score is 0-10, then you are an introvert, closed within yourself. If 11-14, then you are an ambivert, communicate when you need it. If 15-24, then you are an extrovert, outgoing, turned to the outside world.
2. Neuroticism - the number of answers “Yes” is found in questions 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47, 50, 52, 55, 57.
If the number of answers “Yes” is 0-10, you are inherent emotional stability. If 11-16, then emotional sensitivity. If 17-22, then there are some signs of weakness of the nervous system. If 23-24, you have a neuroticism bordering on pathology, a breakdown, a neurosis is possible.
3. False - the sum of the answer points “Yes” in questions 6, 24, 36, and the answers “No” in questions 12, 18, 30, 42, 48, 54.
If the score of 0-3 is the norm of human lies, the answers can be trusted. If 4-5, then it is doubtful. If 6-9, your answers are false.
If the answers can be trusted, then a graph is plotted based on the received data.
Bring the result on points to the Eysenck scale. Check in which part of the circle the result value of your questionnaire is.
Eysenck Scale Values
Interestingly, one hundred percent extraverts or introverts do not exist. Each personality in a different ratio combines the qualities of both types of temperaments. Let us consider in more detail the meaning of each of the poles of the test for temperament in the circle of Eysenck.
Extrovert
For a word, he won’t get into his pocket. A lover to talk about everything in the world. Such a person is in every team, he attracts listeners, is ready to support any conversation. He likes to meet new people, makes many friends. But he does not have enough opportunity to give everyone due attention. Therefore, the relationship is superficial. An extrovert loves to create movement around him. They constantly call him on the phone, he is going somewhere, in a hurry. He likes to be in society, it fills him with energy. Externally, an extrovert can be recognized by a loud voice, loud laughter and active gestures. Often it is difficult for him to stop, he can say too much. He is bored of being alone with himself. Even being at home alone, the extrovert will communicate with someone on the phone, correspond. Apt to risk, impulsive in action. But funny and groovy.
Introvert
Typical for him is some detachment from society. The circle of friends is chosen carefully, with the expectation of a lifetime. Introverts are reluctant to make contact, only when necessary. These are rare guests at parties, and if they appear there, it’s under pressure, because they do not want to go of their own free will. Close introverts are people who have been proven over the years and are pretty to him. If he does not see them for a long time, the relationship still remains sincere and friendly. Introverts feel comfortable alone, they always have something to do. The company quickly get tired. At the same time, they can lead quite an active life in society, they do not necessarily sit at home in four walls. The introvert receives energy from things: from good food, interesting literature, healthy sleep. For him, the internal component of his life, stability and tranquility are more important. As a rule, he is pedantic, does not like to make quick decisions. A high degree of self-control is characteristic, rarely angry. Possesses high morality, prone to excessive pessimism.
Neurotism
It is characterized by increased excitability, irritability. This trait of temperament gives the person uncertainty in everything (in himself, in others, in things and actions). In diagnosing the type of personality temperament, this property indicates a restless nature, vulnerable and prone to depression. Reactions to external stimuli may be inadequate, which is fraught with consequences in the form of stress and neurosis. A person is susceptible to external events, anxious. In psychology, they define him as an emotionally unstable personality type. An individual with signs of neuroticism all the time worries about and without, is excessively self-critical, fears public transport. Exaggerated fears about loved ones.
Neuroticism is accompanied by guilt, defenselessness.
Emotional stability
Self-confidence, a tendency to leadership. Calmness and poise. The individual is ready to help everyone (and helps if possible). There is no tension, in stressful situations it acts clearly and quickly. Quickly adapts to new circumstances, easily assimilates information. A person does not pay attention to the little things in life. Goes purposefully towards his goal.
Pavlov's method
Russian physiologist I.V. Pavlov identified four well-known personality typologies. The classification is as follows: choleric, melancholic, sanguine and phlegmatic. Express diagnostics of Eysenck’s temperaments, in combination with Pavlov’s method, gave the most accurate and open definition of these concepts. As a result, we can characterize people as follows:
• Sanguine is a person with emotional stability and extrovert features.
• Choleric - a person is unstable emotionally and extrovert.
• Phlegmatic - emotionally stable and introvert.
• Melancholic is an introvert prone to neurosis.
Let us examine in more detail each of the types.
Choleric
In the expressed representatives of this temperament, emotions prevail over the mind. Any event in life is expressed on the emotional level of such a person. In a moment of joy, he will jump, scream, hug everyone and laugh out loud. At the time of disappointment, cry bitterly and tell others about your misfortune. Moreover, he will move rapidly from one state to another. The flow of energy emitted in a fit of emotions quickly dries up, this constantly requires replenishment of new sensations.
Choleric vigorously takes on new things, his whole life is filled with actions that require his vigilant urgent attention. If he has a favorite business, the choleric will surrender to him with all passion. His leadership qualities are pronounced, he is able to become a leader, leading people. It has high stress resistance, as it is unable to hold attention for a long time on unpleasant moments. It is common for a choleric to abandon an unfinished business if he is not interested in it. Often the mood changes, because at every moment in life reacts emotionally. Hot-tempered and restrained. Choleric people who prefer an honest relationship will defend unreasonably accused until they lose their pulse. True truths, rather from intemperance. Strive to be the main character in any event.
Melancholic
The vulnerable, prone to knowing the inner self. If the test for temperament has shown that the individual in its main features is melancholic, this does not mean that he is a sad pessimist. This type of temperament has a pronounced creativity. A melancholic is spiritually developed and prone to deep emotional experiences. Able to look at the root of a problem or event, notices details. Able to cope perfectly with any work, especially requiring perseverance and attentiveness. Sees the beautiful in the most ordinary things. It is minuscule, avoids contact with people whom it does not completely trust. Reduced self-esteem, offended by statements addressed to him. Slow, but hardy and capable of analysis. Sensitive melancholy prone to long-term relationships with people. Having lost his trust, it is most likely impossible to restore him.
Sanguine
Changeable type. If the test for temperament showed that you are a sanguine person - you need to carefully monitor your emotions. Sanguine changes his decision instantly, the same goes for commitment to hobbies and work. At the same time, the sanguine is the most lively and cheerful of all types of temperaments. He is active, artistic, has a rich facial expression. It is interesting to watch him. Quickly adapts to changing circumstances. He takes up work easily and joyfully, from childhood he is fond of various circles, interest clubs. Sanguine lives with pleasure, enjoys both work and leisure. In the event of a lack of affection and interesting hobbies, it becomes superficial.
Phlegmatic person
This type of temperament is solid and consistent. Selective in hobbies, everything always leads to its logical conclusion. Life position is weak, not active. He is not inclined to impulsive acts, calm and collected, does not like empty talk. A hard worker is always ready to help, take responsibility. Phlegmatic has a deep inner world. In negative terms, he is lethargic, incapable of decisive step. But the most calm of all, inert. Persistent in achieving the goal. Stress-resistant, avoids conflicts. It’s hard to adapt to new conditions, not ready for drastic changes. Not subject to emotions, does not express feelings directly. He is able to listen to another person, while his feelings are not covered. With self-esteem, there are no problems, rarely it is slightly underestimated.
Typology of personality in children
For parents, knowing the type of temperament in a child is undoubtedly important. Determining the personality temperament in childhood gives a key to education, building an effective learning process. If you correctly understand what type your baby belongs to, there is a chance to use its positive features to the maximum, to enable favorable personality development. Having an idea of how the child thinks, and taking into account the characteristic features of temperament, a thinking adult is able to avoid harming the psyche of the child and minimize the formation of negative aspects of character.
Choleric child
This child is noisy, restless and active. It can be aggressive, it is characterized by a quick change of mood. He perceives information well, but often forgets what he was asked about. He goes to bed hard. He loves noisy games, quickly finds contact with other players. The body works quickly, the baby is easily restored after an illness.
Parents need to fill in the free time of the choleric child with some useful activity. Better if it is a sports section. It needs to be taken out to the nature more often, it needs a lot of space. After the release of energy in the section, you can engage in intellectual activity. The child should approach the educational activities tired physically, then he will be able to perceive the information and will be assiduous. Fatigue will not affect the work of the brain; in a choleric child, energy reserves are inexhaustible.
Melancholy child
Extremely judicious, unhurried. She feels uncomfortable in an unfamiliar atmosphere, hard converges with other children. But if you make friends with someone, then for a long time. Sensitive, this is vulnerable. You need to communicate with him carefully, since everything is perceived at his own expense. It assimilates information for a long time, timid and insecure when communicating. Change of residence or kindergarten is perceived by a melancholic child is difficult. It’s hard to sleep, but in the morning he’s awake and ready for action.
A melancholy child needs parental approval and support. He needs it more than anything else. Closes himself from criticism and abuse, in the future it will bring him many problems. It requires support of his initiative in any undertakings, stimulation of stories about his own feelings.
Sanguine child
The soul of the company is open to both other children and adults. A little careless, there is no sense of self-preservation. Clutching a lot of things, but not much is brought to the end. Does not calculate strength. He does not remember insults, restless. Inclined to team games, loves sports and communication.
Parents need to train perseverance and hard work in a sanguine child. A joint lesson will position the child and pave the way for a trusting relationship. Assembling a constructor or a puzzle, a puzzle is something that he cannot complete alone, and together with his parents such an activity will provide the necessary educational effect. It is necessary to instill in the child the foundations of morality so that a light attitude towards life does not develop into a superficial one.
Phlegmatic child
Unhurried, thorough. He likes to find out what the essence of everything is. Not emotional, so often there is a feeling that he does not care what is happening around. It can play long and enthusiastically on its own and not interfere with adults. He falls asleep well, but gets up hard in the morning. Likes to soak under the covers.
Parents need to learn how to convey positive emotions to their children. He easily succumbs to enthusiasm for a useful occupation: caring for animals, household chores. It is necessary to make a difference in his daily routine: watching cartoons and films, going to the circus and the zoo. To stimulate physical development, a homemade Swedish wall or rope is suitable.
Finally
The psychological diagnosis of temperament affects not only self-knowledge. Knowing what type you belong to provides an opportunity to stimulate the development of personality strengths. Realizing the weaknesses, you can fight them. Or, conversely, use for good. Diagnosis of temperament in adolescents and young children allows parents to raise a child without breaking their worldview and attitude. Willingness to work and develop his strengths in the child will certainly find a response.
Each type of temperament has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the task of a person throughout life is to find harmony between them. The integrity of the personality is determined by the ability to find the facets of all the inherent possibilities and skillfully use them in their own lives. A society consists of many individual personalities, and even complete opposites in temperament can exist side by side without mutual claims.