The Four Temperaments

[Bruised_Reed]

I find them interesting and have read all the “temperment that God gave” books and have heard the authors speak. I like them and think they are a very good start, especially for those who may not grasp the concept that other people may approach life from a different perspective. I like the historical aspect of “the four temperaments” concepts–people have been trying to figure out and catorgorize people for a very long time! But narrowing us down to four types or even a combination of four types is a bit oversimplified. I prefer Myers-Briggs styled assessment, which take more personality types into account. Yet we are each unique individuals, so trying to put people in catagories presents challenges. Plus, where we start shouldn’t be where we remain because we are called to grow in holiness and that usually requires us to change.

A person can certainly change but I think many of these tests suggest that these traits are hard wired so one’s temperament (type, color, etc.) won’t change over time. That doesn’t mean one cannot grow.

If I look at the weaknesses listed I can figure out why I get frustrated with things or why others might get frustrated with me. If the traits that are considered weaknesses are simply spelled out and listed I can target a habit or behavior.

And I agree that putting people into categories might be a little simplified. I think it is particularly unwise for a parent or any adult to put a child into a category and then operate as though it is fact. For example, the chance of the type being wrong and a parents attributing behavior to temperament (“oh, he’s just a Melancholy”) and possibly overlooking depression is a concern. Dr. Gregorc, who designed the learning styles inventory, has stated explicitly that it should not be used for children.

Regarding the Meyer/Briggs: my test was administered by a professional. I felt my type didn’t fit me then and I still feel that way. I discussed it at the time but I still wasn’t satisfied. It’s no big deal though since I’ve found other “personality” tests that have been useful to me.

 

[HouseArrest]

Precisely. What always makes me not a certain type is the things the type struggles with. I’m not saying I’m without temptation, but I don’t struggle with the problems the type are supposed to have. I thought I might be an ENTJ, but I’m not angry. I thought I might be an ENTP, but I have absolutely no issues with sympathy or empathy. I’m very naturally caring for others and their problems, which is supposed to be something ENTPs struggle with. I thought I might be an ESFP because I love having a good time and I love performing and talking in front of people, but I don’t like physical things like ESFPs supposedly have to like in order to be an ESFP. I like big decked out churches, but I don’t crave physical possessions for myself. I like living simply with only what I need and a few things I want.

Like another poster mentioned, Myers Briggs is not something you can administer yourself.

I took the test in college as part of a psychology course. It asks a lot of questions that together choose one of two letters for each category. It is not obvious which answer leads to which letter, which is great. Have you ever taken one that does? The quiz will “determine your favorite season” and start off with “which activity do you prefer to do outside, skiing, gardening, swimming, or raking?” For the Meyers Briggs I remember kind of getting lost in the test and not being able to sway it. I think that’s important. Otherwise you spend time trying to tell it what you want to be, rather than let it decide what you are.

I started reading The Temperament God Gave You because someone suggested I read it to learn how to relate to my kids. I started it and then became overwhelmed when I found out I had to decide it by reading and pondering, especially since some people can be a combination, and the fact that I have many children.

 

[gardenswithkids]

…I started reading The Temperament God Gave You because someone suggested I read it to learn how to relate to my kids. I started it and then became overwhelmed when I found out I had to decide it by reading and pondering, especially since some people can be a combination, and the fact that I have many children.

:yup:
When I read the first book, I studied and studied it trying to figure out where various people in my life fell. And it was frustrating! There are other books and thoughts on the Four Temperaments beyond just what the Bennets wrote about them. I found familiarizing myself with some other perspectives on the Four Temperaments helpful. But what I really needed to do was let some of this sit for a while so it could soak in.

 

[EasterJoy]

Categorizing people according to temperament can be very harmful, but that doesn’t mean that nothing can be learned from people’s attempts to do it. A good effort at it highlights all the different ways that people can be different and look at the world differently. As long as one doesn’t extrapolate too far, they can be very helpful in giving a “heads up” about how others might think differently than you do.

What you don’t want to do is to go over the line where you allow yourself to think, “Ah, X is this type, so I can know what X is going to think, feel, or do in a certain situation. I have X all figured out.” People aren’t like that. People have depth, people can be amazingly creative in how they learn and grow with experience, and they’ll surprise you. It is great to learn about tendencies to look for and to be aware of, but always be ready for people to surprise you.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Categorizing people according to temperament can be very harmful, but that doesn’t mean that nothing can be learned from people’s attempts to do it. A good effort at it highlights all the different ways that people can be different and look at the world differently. As long as one doesn’t extrapolate too far, they can be very helpful in giving a “heads up” about how others might think differently than you do.

What you don’t want to do is to go over the line where you allow yourself to think, “Ah, X is this type, so I can know what X is going to think, feel, or do in a certain situation. I have X all figured out.” People aren’t like that. People have depth, people can be amazingly creative in how they learn and grow with experience, and they’ll surprise you. It is great to learn about tendencies to look for and to be aware of, but always be ready for people to surprise you.

 

[HouseArrest]

Categorizing people according to temperament can be very harmful, but that doesn’t mean that nothing can be learned from people’s attempts to do it. A good effort at it highlights all the different ways that people can be different and look at the world differently. As long as one doesn’t extrapolate too far, they can be very helpful in giving a “heads up” about how others might think differently than you do.

What you don’t want to do is to go over the line where you allow yourself to think, “Ah, X is this type, so I can know what X is going to think, feel, or do in a certain situation. I have X all figured out.” People aren’t like that. People have depth, people can be amazingly creative in how they learn and grow with experience, and they’ll surprise you. It is great to learn about tendencies to look for and to be aware of, but always be ready for people to surprise you.

I agree! And as some others have said, the results describe tendencies, not predict all past, current, and future behavior.

What you wrote above reminds me of my college days. I would avoid talking to or relating to any and all psychology majors when they got out their DSM IV’s out. (or whatever they are called).

 

[EasterJoy]

I agree! And as some others have said, the results describe tendencies, not predict all past, current, and future behavior.

What you wrote above reminds me of my college days. I would avoid talking to or relating to any and all psychology majors when they got out their DSM IV’s out. (or whatever they are called).

I took some psych classes, though, and the professors weren’t like that. They all seemed to enjoy how quirky and surprising actual people are!

 

[HouseArrest]

I took some psych classes, though, and the professors weren’t like that. They all seemed to enjoy how quirky and surprising actual people are!

It wasn’t the professors! It was the new students diagnosing everyone. Two weeks into their first Psych class and everyone was an expert.

 

[bsf]

Presentation by Art Bennet: Embracing The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse