Based on research conducted by the
National Christian Counselors Association between 1983 and 1991, it has been determined
that certain temperament types are more likely to commit violent acts or participate in
habitual behavior.
Each of the following links rates the
pure temperament types in order from most likely (1) to be involved in the listed behavior
to the least likely (5).
The Five Temperament Types
Drug / Alcohol Abuse
Suicide
Sexual Abuse (Molestation and Rape)
Physical Abuse
Temperament Tip of the Day
Note
Temperament Types
- The Sanguine:
The Sanguine temperament type is characterized by the
individual's need to be around people. They are extroverted by nature. They tend to be
bright, cheerful people who are like sunshine.
The Choleric:
The Choleric temperament type is characterized
by a need to dominate/control situations, self and others. Also this temperament type has
leadership capabilities.
The
Melancholy:
The Melancholy individual is characterized
by a need to be alone, independent, realistic, artistic and creative. The Melancholy
individual also tends to be analytical.
The
Phlegmatic:
The Phlegmatic individual is characterized by
their slow pace, lack of energy, and non-commitment to life.
The Supine:
The Supine temperament type is characterized
by a tendency toward indirect behaviors and inability to initiate. They are of a gentle in
nature. These individuals characteristically are also people pleasers.
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1. Melancholies: They lack the ability
to express emotions, and it is the only way to alleviate their pain.
2. Sanguines: They have a high need for
socialization and a willingness to adopt the moralities of the crowd.
3. Supines: They lack self respect,
have feelings of worthlessness, are unable to just say "no", and build up anger
and frustration.
4. Phlegmatics: They need peaceful
atmosphere and avoid confrontation with a "peace at all cost" attitude. They may
drink or take drugs as a means of escape.
5. Cholerics: They socialize for gain.
For example, they may drink with clients to complete a sale or with the boss to get a
promotion, etc.
1. Melancholies. They tend to be very
lonely and seldom open up to others. They rarely recover from the loss of a loved one, not
just through death but any loss (divorce, job transfer, etc.) In addition, they are
perfectionistic and struggle with the injustices of life.
2. Supines (particularly males). The
suffer from pent-up anger and feelings of inferiority and worthlessness. However, suicide
is usually a ploy for attention that turned "sour" (accidental suicide). To
complete the act they need encouragement from someone telling them they should do it
and how.
3. Sanguines. This is unlikely because
they have a "bounce back" attitude. If a Sanguine does commit suicide, like the
Supine, he or she would attempt it only as a ploy for attention. Most Sanguines who commit
suicide could be listed as "accidental suicide."
4. Cholerics. Very rare and only as a
means of having the last word (for example, Hitler).
5. Phlegmatics. This would be the least
likely of all because no situation would ever cause them to be that "upset."
They are "lukewarm, middle of the road" people (unexcitable). They probably do
not have the energy to carry it out.
1. Melancholies. The tendency toward
sexual abuse is usually "second generation," meaning the offender was first
abused. If, as a child, the Melancholy was molested, he/she will probably molest others as
a means of venting anger. Melancholies have a difficult time forgiving and forgetting.
They play it over and over again in their mind until they become obsessed with it. This
obsession usually manifests itself in the violation of another person.
2. Choleric. The Choleric detests
weakness, tenderness, romance, compassion, and any sign of emotion. Unless taught
otherwise, Cholerics take what they want with out remorse, guilt, or concern for the
feelings or rights of others. Cholerics need a sense of power and control over the lives
of others, and they are quite capable of rape and molestation as a means of expressing
their power.
3. Sanguine. This one is very doubtful.
Sanguines are lustful (skin hungry); however, they have a conflict. On the one hand, there
is something in them that controls any desire to commit such an act, that is, the fear of
rejection. On the other hand, if a Sanguine was with a gang who was doing this, he/she
would probably participate because of the fear of being rejected by the gang members. In
other words, a Sanguine would probably never do it as an independent act.
4. Supine. Supines, like the Sanguines,
would probably never commit such an act independently. However, if Supines received enough
peer pressure from "strong" or "controlling" friends, they would
participate in "gang rape" because of their need to be included and accepted.
5. Phlegmatics. Never! No gang could
pressure them because they are stubborn and independent. besides, no individual could
entice them enough to waste the energy.
1. Cholerics. They exercise their power
and control over others and have a cruel, insensitive, intolerant attitude toward the
emotions of others.
2. Melancholies. They act out of their
vengeance and pent-up anger. In their minds, they see themselves physically hurting others
(they play it over and over again, like a movie). By the time they actually commit a
hostile act of physical violence, they do it with very little emotion, cold and
calculating.
3. Supines (particularly males). Like
Melancholies, they have a lot of pent-up anger. Supines are very giving and caring people;
however, they must receive recognition for what they do. If you cross them or make them
feel like they have been used, they can become very violent, both physically and verbally.
4. Sanguines. They have a difficult
time controlling their temper. they flare up and often do things they soon regret. They
seldom learn from their mistakes and often repeat poor behavior even though their remorse
is real. Their instantaneous anger is normally vented verbally; however, if they learn to
vent their anger in physical ways (the way their mother of father did), they will probably
do the same. in other words, the sanguine will always express their anger verbally and, if
they are physical, it is because they learned it from someone else.
5. Phlegmatic. Extremely doubtful. they
seek the path of least resistance and love peace. Besides, physical violence requires too
much energy.
Keep in mind, the above listed
tendencies are just that -- tendencies. The actual behavior of a given individual may be
affected by learned behavior, environmental necessities ("rough" neighborhoods,
etc.), or other compelling factors.
"We are fearfully and wonderfully
made by our God who created the Heavens and the earth. We are very special and unique.
Understanding who God created you to be
will help you to live a victorious Christian life. You will understand your weaknesses and
learn how to surrender them to the Lord and, with His help, learn how to develop your
strengths.
In Hosea 4:6 the Bible states:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Having this new knowledge
will not only draw you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, it will help you in your
relationship with others, e.g., friends, co-workers and family members." Dr.
Richard Arno, Author
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