Exploring The Traits Of A Sanguine Temperament
Humorism was a school of thought common In Ancient Greece. It refers to the view that each person has one of four personality types due to the dominance of a particular element in their body. While the theory was definitively disproved in the mid-1800s, some people still look to the four personality types or temperaments in general to learn more about themselves and their characteristics. One of these four is known as the sanguine temperament. If you identify with the traits that were thought to fall under this type, read on for more information about potential benefits and drawbacks, plus advice on how to shift tendencies or behaviors that may not be serving you.
The four personality types, according to humorism
Again, while humorism is not scientifically accurate, some find it interesting to examine its historical roots as they learn more about how psychologists view personality traits today. According to this ancient system, the four personality types are:
- Choleric: once thought to relate to yellow bile, represented by the element of fire, and presumed to be predominant during childhood
- Sanguine: once thought to relate to the blood, represented by the element of air, and presumed to be predominant during adolescence
- Phlegmatic: once thought to relate to phlegm, represented by the element of water, and presumed to be predominant during maturity or adulthood
- Melancholic: once thought to relate to black bile, represented by the element of earth, and presumed to be predominant during old age
Over the years, notable minds in psychology and philosophy—such as Immanual Kant and Ivan Pavlov—attempted to adapt these types into more modern views on personality. Today, humorism and the four temperaments are not recognized by major psychological associations or schools of thought. When it comes to problems related to personality traits, personality disorders as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) are now the preferred and empirically supported way to address personality issues that present with clinical severity. That said, some individuals may still find it useful or interesting to learn about other methods of classifying personality traits—including historical methods—in order to learn more about themselves.
Characteristics of a sanguine temperament
The adjective “sanguine” has two key uses. One is to describe something that’s blood-red in color, since the temperament was originally thought to be associated with the blood. The other is to describe someone who is “marked by eager hopefulness” or is “confidently optimistic”, which relates to key elements of the sanguine temperament or personality type.
One study that examined personality traits with a framework similar to the four temperaments found that those who aligned closely with sanguine traits were associated with “high activity and briskness” along with “high endurance and low emotional reactivity”.
Addressing negative traits and tendencies
Every personality type has both positive and negative traits and tendencies. If you’re looking to focus on personal growth, becoming aware of your more negative or limiting characteristics can be a helpful first step. If you identify with some of the traits of a sanguine temperament, you might enjoy high self-esteem and a robust social life. However, you may also experience difficulties due to your natural tendencies. Read on for a few of these common traits, plus ideas on how you might manage or shift them.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity means acting quickly on thoughts or desires, typically without thinking them through or weighing the consequences. Being action-oriented can be helpful in some scenarios, such as in making social connections and being productive at work or in creative projects. However, it can also present drawbacks. Impulsive words and actions can negatively impact relationships, for instance, or can make a person prone to engaging in risky behaviors.
In some cases, impulsivity may be a symptom of a mental health condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety disorders, or some personality disorders. That’s why meeting with a mental health professional if impulsivity is negatively impacting your life may be helpful, as they can provide a diagnosis if applicable and suggest methods for learning to manage your impulses.
Lack of discipline
Another characteristic that may be associated with a sanguine temperament or other personality types is a lack of discipline. This trait may have many different root causes, from trouble concentrating or being easily distracted to perfectionism or a fear of failure that makes starting or committing to projects intimidating or otherwise difficult. Sometimes, what manifests as an apparent lack of discipline may simply be a work style that needs to be adjusted. For instance, you might need a quieter environment to get things done without distractions. You might also benefit from setting “SMART” goals to achieve what you’re aiming for, or using productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique to help you stay on track. In other words, if you’re having trouble getting things done, you may benefit from adjusting the way you approach tasks rather than labeling yourself as someone who lacks discipline.
Tendency toward addictive behaviors
Some people may find that they’re more inclined to engage in addictive behaviors, or may have more trouble resisting unhealthy or risky activities. Some may also find themselves facing substance use disorders, such as alcohol or drug misuse, or non-substance use disorders, such as gambling or shopping addictions. Help is available for individuals in such situations. Issues like these are classified as clinical disorders that can benefit from treatment. Or, for less serious manifestations of addictive behaviors, learning how to set effective boundaries and limits for yourself can be helpful.
If you’re experiencing challenges related to substance use, you can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357—available 24/7/365.
Cultivating healthy traits through therapy
There are many different ways to classify personality types, but one thing is common among them: All types have both positive and potentially negative traits. Whether you identify with the characteristics of a sanguine temperament or some other set of attributes, there may be parts of your personality that you’d like to refine or shift to improve your mental well-being. If you’re looking for support on this journey, meeting with a mental health professional may be helpful. They can assist you in identifying patterns and devising healthy strategies for managing tendencies that may be holding you back, negatively impacting your relationships or daily functioning, or causing you harm.
Research suggests that therapy can be effectively delivered virtually as well, which means that those who are unable to or uncomfortable visiting a therapist’s office in person have other options. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, for instance, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. Read on for client reviews of BetterHelp counselors. Regardless of the format you choose, support for mental health and personal growth is available.
Counselor reviews
"Charlotte became my friend and confidante the first time I talked to her. It is so helpful to have someone who's understanding and also known to be there for you every day. I think she is helping me get back on my feet and feel good again and able to enjoy life like I should. I will definitely call upon her if and when traumatic circumstances happen."
"She is meeting all of my expectations in keeping me accountable for my actions and helping me sort out the personal issues in a manner that best fits my lifestyle and temperament. She is very human and understanding of my worldly and spiritual struggles. She will give me homework and every session piggybacks on the last, so to continue chipping away at the onion. I enjoy our conversations and would recommend her to any professional looking to better themselves. Worth every penny."
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
What is a sanguine personality?
The sanguine is one of the primary temperaments which describes a person that is enthusiastic, social, active, and overly talkative. They are typically considered as extroverted persons. When a sanguine meets you for the first time, he may hold a conversation with you in a manner that seems like he had known you for a long time. Asides being social, temperaments sanguine are charismatic and outgoing. Due to their cheerfulness and humor, they are able to brighten up people's life. Sanguines are very good at things that are related to communication, but they may not be perfect in finishing tasks.
Who is a melancholy sanguine?
A melancholy sanguine personality is a mix of both the melancholic and sanguine personality in one person. Since it's a mix, the individual will have the traits of both personalities. The melancholic is a thoughtful individual that may often be anxious but typically try to attain perfection by every means possible. A melancholic doesn't only try attaining perfection in themselves; they also want to see everything around them in a perfect condition. Also, the melancholy is detail oriented. On the other hand, the sanguine is talkative, outgoing, and social. A melancholic sanguine love having fun and laughing when they feel comfortable and accepted. Sometimes, they may also be talkative but usually have high personal ambitions but fail to achieve their dreams because they normally don't take action.
What do the four temperaments mean?
The four temperaments basically explain a major theory of psychology about personality and suggest four bodily fluids that affect the entire human personality. The four fundamental personality types are Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic. According to a Greek physician, the Sanguine is cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, confident, and quite talkative. When you meet a Sanguine, there's a high tendency to have discussions that may seem as though you have known each other for a long period. A choleric temperament is goal-oriented, analytical, and logical. People also often love melancholic because they are very analytical and task-oriented. The phlegmatic is an easygoing individual.
Who are Sanguines attracted to?
The Sanguine is a fun-loving, social, and outgoing personality. Typically, Sanguines are attracted to other personality types. However, when two sanguines are attracted to each other, it may end up as an extremely happy relationship they choose to date or get married. A sanguine may also get attracted to other personalities like the melancholic. The melancholic individuals are reserved and very thoughtful, but they are able to make a good match with the sanguine, which is outgoing, social, and talkative.
Who is a phlegmatic person?
Out of many other temperaments, the phlegmatic describes the most stable and calm personality. A phlegmatic is an easy-going person that dislikes having clashes with anyone. Usually, the phlegmatic doesn't have serious issues with emotional outbursts, bitterness, or anger like other people with different personality types. A phlegmatic is also self-content, kind, relaxed, and consistent. They are often referred to as lazy because their shy personality can make them uninterested in a lot of things, which ends up making them look lazy. If you don’t know your personality type, Myers Briggs helps with giving a type indicator.
What is the most common temperament?
The Sanguine personality is the most common temperament. This is because a large percentage of people have a sanguine personality. Normally, Sanguine is defined as being social, generally active, and talkative. Please note that the mere fact that Sanguine is a very common temperament doesn't directly mean that everyone is Sanguine. Please note that Sanguine may be of two different types, which are the secondary temperament and primary temperament types. The Sanguine personality is curious, creative, spontaneous, impulsive, goal-oriented, optimistic, and cheerful. A sanguine is capable of talking to new friends like they have known them for a longer time.
Who is choleric person?
Cholerics are well known for their attitude of wanting to dominate and stay in power. Also, the choleric is associated with yellow bile humor. Other humor types are the bile and phlegm, or the blood yellow bile black. There may be a mix of humor like the bile black bile and phlegm. The choleric and melancholic personality is known to have the yellow bile black bile humor. Usually, the choleric person may also have a very weak level of self-control. Naturally, choleric are problem solvers, and they are normally open about their opinions. Asides being problem solvers, they are also ambitious, goal-oriented. All of the qualities of a choleric ultimately makes them natural leaders of society. Typically, a choleric people are leaders of the group. In addition, a choleric is an effective influencer, independent, prideful, quick-thinkers, competitive, and easily annoyed. When a choleric speaks, his or her words usually sound commanding even when he has no intention of making it sound that way. Cholerics may also be choleric melancholic, choleric sanguine, or have a mixture of cholic melancholic and phlegmatic. To know your temperament, you should perform a temperaments test.
What are the 4 types of temperament?
There are four fundamental personality types that define a person's personality, which is the sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic, and choleric. The Sanguine is the commonest type of personality; it refers to those that are talkative, outgoing, and social. A melancholic normally acts self-reliant, thoughtful, and extremely reserved. The choleric is a logical, goal-oriented, and analytical person. Lastly, the phlegmatic is different from the other articles. They are peaceful, relaxed, quiet, and easy-going. A person may have a mix of personalities such as the choleric, melancholic personality types, or the sanguine choleric melancholic personality types. Taking part in a temperaments test.
Are Melancholics romantic?
The melancholic personality always secretly crave for a perfect relationship. When this happens, it can typically make the entire relationship awesome. Please note that is a little difficult for a melancholic to make a move on someone that attracts them. Interestingly, a melancholic always has fun with other melancholics. So, it is possible for two melancholics to have a happy and romantic relationship with each other. Asides being with another melancholic, they have the ability to stay close to Sanguine. As a matter of fact, the melancholic and the sanguine may also go as far as get married due to their compatibility. However, this may not mean everything may go on rosy but, they will definitely work out.
Who should a melancholic marry?
When it comes to compatibility, melancholics are very compatible with their personality reflection. Due to their personality, which involves staying analytical and critical, they are normally better off with the melancholic personality. Also, melancholics have a personality of being introverted and avoid being called in a crowd of people. When it comes to how they feel, most of them are deep-thinkers and feelers as well. All of their traits and characters combined make them natural or inborn leaders of a community or social gatherings.
What are the weaknesses of a sanguine?
Sanguines are defined by the way they talk (talkative), the way relate with other people, and the way they react to situations. In terms of relating with people, the sanguine temperament is the easiest person to stay around with. The sanguine temperament is outgoing, touchy, and handshaking. Also, they tend to bring life around a room there in at the moment. Moreover, they are very cheerful people and they put a smile in the faces of a lot of people. Unfortunately, the sanguine have their own weaknesses. One of the weaknesses of the sanguine is they often exaggerate when they are in a conversation. They typically exaggerate to make themselves look more successful than their true state. A major weakness of the sanguine is they also adopt unhealthy and destructive behaviours. If you are uncertain about your personality traits, you can perform the Myers Briggs test according to medical concept. After using the Myers Briggs type indicator, the type indicator should be able to tell your personality
How do melancholics behave?
A melancholic is a self-reliant personality that are also reserved, thoughtful, and are anxious often. Also, a melancholic is also called black bile. According to Galen’s personality theory, the black bile is associate to a cold and dry behaviour or quality. The melancholic is a person that works to achieve perfection in themselves and also strive for perfection in their surroundings. This personality results in a detail oriented and neat character. Out of the other temperaments, the melancholics are introverted people that work hard to get some time alone. Also, they may enjoy spending time with people in some occasions, but, the time they spend with other people drains off their energy. When they spend time with other people, they ultimately need to take some time out alone to recharge their minds. There may also be a mix of temperaments in a specific person for instance, the choleric melancholic and phlegmatic or the sanguine choleric melancholic.
How do I change my temperament?
There’s a possibility for you to change your character, but you cannot change your temperament because they are inborn. To change your character, you may need to change your surroundings, write out a plan to follow, and ensure you’re following up. Other ways that can make you alter your temperament are through writing a journal, telling a friend, or rewarding yourself. The major reason why your temperament cannot change is because it is biological and inborn.
Who is a sanguine woman?
A sanguine woman is someone that is highly talkative, active, enthusiastic, and social. When a sanguine woman meets you for the first time, she may relate with you like she has known you for a long time. A sanguine is typically extroverted and enjoy being around people. Sanguines are prone to exaggerate to make themselves more successful than they really are. The sanguine is also impulsive and they are great communicators. The sanguine woman is able to see the bright side of life and live life to the fullest. Moreover, they are also pleasure seeking so they may be more.
What are the nine temperament traits?
There nine temperament traits are the activity level, biological rhythms, sensitivity, intensity of reaction, adaptability, approach/withdrawal, persistence, distractibility, and mood. Please note that these are different from the fundamental personality types. The activity level deals with how active that person is. The high activity level and the low activity levels are the two different types of activity level. Also, the biological rhythms refer to the regularity of someone’s internal drives, like eating, sleeping, and toileting, and others. Sensitivity involves the high sensitivity and low sensitivity. Highly sensitive people react strongly to light, touch, light, sound, taste, and smell. Adaptability simply means the way a person can change or adjust to new situations. Approach/withdrawal refers to how quickly a person is able to adjust to changes. Persistence refers to how long someone is willing to stick a task even when it’s hard. Distractibility simply refers to people that are easily distracted by their surroundings. Lastly, the mood refers to the overall tone of the person’s interactions and characters. You should employ the Myers Briggs type indicator to know your personality traits by medical concept.
Can melancholic marry phlegmatic?
The melancholic is the person that is self-reliant, reserved, and anxious often. Usually, the melancholic strive for perfection in themselves Also, they work towards creating perfection around their surroundings. Also, the melancholic is always detail-oriented and neat in everything they do. The Phlegmatic are peaceful, relaxed, quiet, and easy-going. Unlike other personality types, the phlegmatic is the most stable temperament. They are very calm, easy-going people, and they don’t have issues of emotional outbursts, anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness. The melancholic and phlegmatic both view the world differently. However, there is no attraction between these two personalities but they can get married and live a happy life.
Are Phlegmatics introverts?
A phlegmatic is the most stable temperament. They are calm, easy-going, and they don’t have emotional outbursts, exaggerated feelings, unforgiveness, or bitterness. A phlegmatic personality tends to be quiet and peaceful and they are sympathetic and care about the emotions of others. A phlegmatic is introverted and they enjoy having time alone. However, they are nicer than the melancholic and they are unburdened by perfectionism and they do not judge other people.
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