What is temperament? Basic Concepts

At present, a large number of concepts have been developed that try to explain what temperament is. Let us consider them in more detail.

The oldest is the humoral theory of Hippocrates. The doctor tried to explain what a temperament is, connecting it with the properties of a particular fluid that prevails in the body. If a person has more blood, then this is a sanguine person, bile is a choleric, black bile is a melancholic. The presence of mucus (lymph, phlegm) speaks of a phlegmatic type.

Later, constitutional concepts appeared, explaining what temperament is, connecting it with the structure of the body.

First, the theory of E. Kretschmer. The scientist argued that people who have a certain (dysplastic, asthenic, picnic and leptosomatic) type of physique, have a special type of temperament (ixotim, cyclothem and schizotime). In addition, they are inherently predisposed to certain mental illnesses.

Secondly, the concept of W. Sheldon. The scientist proceeded from the fact that there is somatotype - a physique, which is described by means of such parameters as ectomorphy, mesomorphism and endomorphy. They correspond to certain types of temperament. These are cerebrotonics, somatotonics, and viscerotonics.

The physiological basis of temperament was laid in the works of I.P. Pavlova. He created the first scientific neurodynamic theory. It is based on the doctrine of the significant role and dynamic properties of the central nervous system. This is the only body system that has regulating and universal abilities.

The scientist singled out the following basic properties of the NS:

• force;
• mobility;
• equilibrium.

They occur in the processes of excitation and inhibition. As a result, the scientist among the available combinations of these properties identified the basic combinations that form the types of GNI. As a result, I.P. Pavlov succeeded in answering the actual question of what temperament is:

• Sanguine has a balanced, strong and moving type of nervous system;
• Frigmatik - calm (inert), balanced and strong type;
• Choleric has a moving, unbalanced and strong type of nervous system ;
• Melancholic - unbalanced and weak.

Let us consider in more detail the characteristics that IP gave to these types. Pavlov. Character and temperament are closely connected in it.

Sanguine has a high neuropsychic activity, as well as a wealth and diversity of facial expressions and movements. Such a person is emotional, impressionable and labile. But his experiences are shallow, and mobility can lead to a lack of concentration.

Choleric has a high level of neuropsychic activity. Such a person is usually sharp and quick in his movements. He is also characterized by impulsiveness, strength, severity of emotions, emotionality and imbalance. With poor upbringing the choleric becomes unrestrained, quick-tempered, incapable of self-control.

Phlegmatic has a low level of activity. He is difficult to switch, slow and calm in his actions, facial expressions and speech. A person with a predominance of phlegmatic temperament is distinguished by the depth of feelings and the constant mood. But with unfavorable upbringing, he develops lethargy, weakness and poverty of emotions, as well as a tendency to perform usual activities.

Melancholika is distinguished by muffledness and restraint of speech and motor skills. In addition, its pronounced features are: emotional reactivity, stability and depth of feelings with a slight external expression. Melancholics are usually emotionally wounded, closed, alienated and prone to deep inner feelings even of situations that do not deserve it.