Temperaments in Social Situations

We all can be moody here and there for different reasons.

Photo taken from UNLV student Sasha McCormick

Sanguine

The Sanguine in social situations is in his element. Very friendly and outgoing, sanguines will talk happily to complete strangers at gatherings. When they meet new people, they have the "capacity to make that person feel important, as though the new acquaintance were a very special friend, which he or she is- until [Mr. Sanguine] meets the next person, who then receives the same attention" (LaHaye 19). In the Sanguine, their ascending reticular activation system (the part of the brain responsible for cortical excitation and inhibition) has low arousal. This is correlated with extroversion. The Visceral Brain System of the Sanguine (responsible for emotional activation) is low, which is correlated with being non-emotionally reactive. The Sanguine does not enjoy solitude, but enjoys being around others, and is often the life of the party.

Melancholic

In the Melancholic, the Ascending Reticular Activation System arousal is high, correlated with introversion. Melancholics also have high Visceral Brain System activation, linked with emotional reactivity. In social situations, melancholics can be introverted or extroverted depending on their comfort levels. They are loyal friends and "not only like others, but also has a strong desire to be loved by them" (LaHaye 26). The Melancholic makes cautiously, but once they see you as someone to treasure, you will have a loyal friend for life.

Phelgmatic

The Phelgmatic has high Ascending Reticular Activation System arousal (introversion) and low Visceral Brain System activation (non-emotionally reactive). The Phelgmatic is easygoing and friendly. They "enjoy people and have a naturally dry sense of humor that others enjoy" (LaHaye 31). The Phlegmatic is most likely to sit back and enjoy interactions others have. They are prone to teasing others, whether it's teasing the hyperactive tendencies of the Sanguine, the gloomy moods of the Melancholic, or the ambitions of the Choleric. They tend to be spectators in life and social situations, but they are able to lighten up the mood.

Choleric

The Choleric has low Ascending Reticular Activation System arousal (extraversion) and high visceral brain system activation (emotionally reactive). The Choleric has a driving personality that causes him to take charge in various situations. If something needs to be done, he will be the one to get up and direct everyone as to what they should do. The Choleric has the least developed emotional nature of all the temperaments. He struggles to "sympathize with others," and "does [not] naturally show or express compassion" (LaHaye 19). However, he is able to push others to their full potential in pursuit of a goal, although he may not praise them for it.

Leave a comment and let us know about which type you are!

LaHaye, Tim. Spirit-Controlled Temperament. Joint Herris Publications, 2008.