Temperament: examples and characteristics of phlegmatic, sanguine, choleric and melancholic

As you know, temperament is an innate property of personality. Some of its manifestations can be corrected, others remain unchanged, thus, the type of the nervous system becomes the determining factor for the formation of the personality. And the behavior of people around us in everyday life, the characters of films or literary characters is not so difficult to determine their types of temperament. Examples of representatives of each of the four varieties of higher nervous activity will be given in this article.

Sanguine temperament

At the heart of the sanguine temperament is a mobile, strong, Balanced type of HC. This means that the processes of excitation and inhibition in such individuals are in balance. Also they are characterized by liveliness, plasticity, fast speech with rich facial expressions and rapid movements. Sanguine easily adapt to the new conditions for them, they are energetic, workable, the difficulties of life cause them not discouragement, but the desire to resist them, change the situation. Productivity of activities depends on its fascination: an interesting business sanguine person can do for a long time, with pleasure and very successfully.

In communication, it is easy and pleasant: quickly converges with people, is responsive, easily finds points of contact with any interlocutor. The new situation does not lead him into confusion, but, on the contrary, tones up. Emotional sphere is characterized by positive attitude, good mood. Sanguine feelings are usually not deep and not strong, they can quickly arise and change as quickly. This property helps you to experience failures more easily, which generally contributes to greater life success.

On these grounds, one can assume sanguine temperament in certain personalities or characters. Examples in the literature: Steve Oblonsky ("Anna Karenina"), Sancho Panza ("The Clever Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha"), Olga Larina ("Eugene Onegin"). In history, this temperament was possessed by N. Bonaparte, AI Herzen, P. Beaumarchais.

Choleric temperament

This is the most striking temperament. Examples for its illustration are the easiest to find, because a person with this type of nervous processes - strong, unbalanced and mobile - seldom remains in the shadows. His excitement prevails over inhibition, mental activity is very high. Behavior is unbalanced, reaction - fast pace, gestures - strength and vigor, sometimes feverish. The vital force of a choleric person, as they say, splashes over the edge. He is prone to a violent experience of any emotions, including anger, he obviously lacks self-control. In the work such a person thinks little and acts a lot, the case is given with full dedication, but the energy at this pace is enough for a short while.

This is the choleric temperament. Examples from history: the poet Pushkin AS, natural scientist Lomonosov MV, commander Suvorov AV, physiologist Pavlov IP

From literary characters: the old prince Bolkonsky (War and Peace), Nozdrev (Dead Souls), Grigory Melekhov (Quiet Flows the Don).

Phlegmatic temperament

This type of temperament is based on a strong, balanced, inert type of nervous system. He has a low level of mental activity, all processes proceed slowly, calmly. Characteristic of small activity and reactivity. But the resistance to irritants is high, even strong and lasting - phlegmatic is not so easy to knock off the intended course.

His feelings are constant, although they are not expressed openly, the mood is often calm, balanced. Speech is slow, quiet, movements are inexpressive, rare and weak. Phlegmatic patient, able to endure the blows of fate, does not show their experiences to others. The work is persistent, brings things to the end, loves order, changes their habits only in exceptional cases.

Phlegmaticians in history: I. Kant (philosopher), Charles Darwin (naturalist), IA Krylov (fabulist), G. Gallilei (physicist and philosopher), MI Kutuzov (commander).

Examples from the literature: Ilya Oblomov (Oblomov), Sobakevich (Dead Souls), Pierre Bezukhov (War and Peace).

Melancholic temperament

It is based on a weak type of GNI, so the definition of temperament melancholic Is not particularly difficult. These are very sensitive people, reacting even to weak stimuli, while inhibition prevails over excitement. Low level of mental activity and reactivity. The melancholic gives the impression of an anxious, fearful person, passive and inhibited, strong incentives often knock him out of balance, they can even lead to behavioral problems.

The speech is quiet, but the facial expression is quite expressive, it seems to compensate for a low voice. Movement slowed, restrained, low-energy. Melancholik quickly tires, he does not have a great vitality, often in a depressed mood, laughs rarely. His feelings are deep and lasting, but experiences have little effect on appearance and behavior. The circle of acquaintances of such a person is limited, since he is closed and uncommunicative.

So you can describe the melancholic temperament. Examples in history: the writer Gogol NV, the poet Zhukovsky VA, the poet Nadson S. Ya., The artist Levitan II.

Among the literary characters it is worth noting Princess Mary Bolkonskaya ("War and Peace"), Podkolesin ("The Marriage"), Tatyana Larin ("Eugene Onegin").