The 12 combinations of temperaments by Tim LaHaye
One of the most ambitious goals of psychology is to know how the personality of an individual is shaped, what influences its development and how it changes over time.
As a result of research and theories, it was found that humans have certain inclinations towards specific attitudes, ideas and preferences, which are influenced by an internal force called temperament. In this article we will see what they are the temperamental combinations of Tim LaHaye .
- Related article: "Differences between personality, temperament and character"
What is temperament?
We understand by temperament the combination of attitudes and personal dispositions that we inherit from our family, especially our parents.
It's good to know what kind of temperament we have , because in addition to knowing each other more, we learn to optimize our resources and take advantage of the potential we have; in addition to knowing how to control it at times when we need more rationality and not allowing it to control us unconsciously. Normally we act according to what we have, we do not have any in particular for the actions we do. They can be from subtle acts such as certain preferences, to ways of thinking and attitudes.
Temperamental theories
Throughout history, different theories about the types of existing temperaments have been formulated. One of them is the one of the 4 basic temperaments, made by Galen . It is based on the theory of the 4 humors of Hippocrates, which said that the human body is made up of 4 elements (humours):
- Blood.
- Phlegm.
- Yellow bile.
- Black bile.
From this idea, Galen proposed his theory, which classified the types of temperaments in this way:
- Bloodthirsty
- Phlegmatic.
- Cholerae
- Melancholy
With this theory as a basis, the writer Tim LaHaye proposed a new one, with some modifications and extensions: the 12 temperamental combinations.
The combinations of temperament according to Tim LaHaye
For him, the fact that there were only 4 possible temperaments was an approach that was far from reality. Because of our complexity as beings, it is almost impossible for us to fit only into 4 categories, since each one has several strengths and several weaknesses, so the most convenient thing seemed to be consider that we can have combinations of temperaments , although one will always be the dominant and another the secondary.
1. San-Col
The most extroverted of all. It's the person-oriented, enthusiastic type. Good organization and productivity predominate . He talks too much and it is easy to expose his weaknesses to others; talks more without knowing all the facts. At the slightest provocation it can detonate his anger.
2. San-Mel
Very emotional with fluctuations of constant moods. They usually express their criticism towards other people or situations openly ; They are perfectionists. You can establish very good social relations when your arrogance does not come out. It is usually insecure.
- Maybe you're interested: "Perfectionist personality: the disadvantages of perfectionism"
3. San-Flem
Normally he has good humor and is free; They tend to find the positive side of all situations. Likes to help people. It is regulated more by external circumstances and by its environment than by its internal motivation . Tends to appreciate family life and love. Its great weaknesses are the lack of motivation and discipline.
4. Col-San
Your effort is aimed at productivity and specific purposes. You have high energy levels, you always have to be doing something. Excellent communicator. The main weakness is hostility, it is very frank . It is difficult to concentrate on something for a long time.
5. Col-Mel
Oriented towards a goal and careful with the details. Very laborious and capable. He has an analytical mind, fast and determined . Excellent for the debates combining his verbal aggression with attention to the facts. Competitive and powerful in everything he does; leadership profile. Some of his weaknesses are that he tends to become an autocrat, is hostile and can hold a lot of resentment.
6. Col-Flem
A combination of the hot and the hot with the calm and the cold. Deliberate and calm. He is very organized, and is able to help others to give their best. It can nest resentment and bitterness . It is not easy for him to recognize his mistakes and he is very stubborn.
7. Mel-San
Good communicator. Pay attention to the details. It is a very emotional being, it can reflect total happiness or a very black mood. Charismatic, able to get followers . He tends to be rigid with others and be a strict critic.
8. Mel-Col
Perfectionist and good leader. Effective to manage and lead a business . Prone to detailed analysis. Few things cost him work or go wrong.It is very difficult to please and rarely feel satisfied with yourself.
- Maybe you're interested: "The 10 personality traits of a leader"
9. Mel-Flem
Good engaging relationships with others. Analytical and organized perfectionists. It is generally humanitarian. Excellent in spelling and in mathematics. Prefer to work alone in a quiet environment . It can nest anger and tends to have thoughts of revenge. It is vulnerable to fear, anxiety and a negative self-image.
10. Flem-San
Easily congenial with others, cooperative, attentive, diplomatic and fun. Oriented towards people, rarely expresses aggressive attitudes . One of its weaknesses is the lack of motivation and that is why, sometimes, it fails to exploit all its capabilities. Let good opportunities escape.
11. Flem-Col
He is an excellent counselor, because he likes to listen and is interested in people. You can be a good leader. It is reliable and gentle, it does not represent a threat to anyone . He always seeks to do the right thing. He can be very stubborn and resist giving in. His internal anger is reflected in his silence. Fearful.
12. Flem-Mel
Gentle, reliable and accurate. Rarely do you feel hostility. He is very empathetic, organized and likes to help others. It works very well under pressure, although it tends to be passive . Some of its weaknesses are fear, negativity, selfishness and the lack of a stable self-image. When he realizes that his fears are what prevent him from reaching success, he leaves his shell and becomes successful.
Our complexity goes beyond
Even with these 12 temperamental categories maybe there is not one that totally represents you , that's why you can continue to make more combinations or give percentages to those that best describe you. Human beings are complex beings, so it is very difficult to accurately classify any of the elements that make up our personality.
