Temperament

Temperament refers to the consistent individual differences in human behavior that are biologically based and are observable in early childhood. The concept of temperament is part of the field of psychology and psychiatry.

History

The concept of temperament was first proposed by the Greek physician Hippocrates who suggested that it was the balance of the four bodily fluids, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood, that determined one's temperament. This theory was further developed by Galen, who proposed four temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.

Modern theories

Modern theories of temperament focus on the individual differences in behavior that are present from birth and are therefore likely to have a genetic basis. These theories include the Thomas and Chess model, which identifies nine temperament traits, and the Buss and Plomin model, which proposes three basic dimensions of temperament: emotionality, activity, and sociability.

Measurement

There are several methods for measuring temperament, including parent-report questionnaires, observational measures, and physiological measures. These methods can provide valuable information about an individual's behavioral tendencies and their likely responses to different situations.

Implications

Understanding an individual's temperament can have important implications for their mental health and well-being. For example, individuals with a difficult temperament may be more likely to develop mental health disorders, while those with an easy temperament may be more resilient to stress.

See also

• Personality psychology
• Behavioral genetics
• Developmental psychology

References

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