One of the most ambitious objectives of psychology is to know how an individual’s personality is formed, what influences its development and how it changes over time.
As a result of research and theory, 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 Tim LaHaye’s temperamental combinations
We understand by temperament combination of attitudes and personal dispositions that we inherit from our family, especially from our parents.
It’s good to know what kind of temperament we have, because in addition to knowing ourselves better, we learn to optimize our resources and take advantage of the potential we have; in addition to knowing how to control it in moments 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 range from subtle acts such as certain preferences, to ways of thinking and attitudes.
Temperamental theories
Throughout history, different theories have been formulated about the types of existing temperaments. One of them is that of the 4 basic temperaments, made by Galen It is based on Hippocrates’ theory of the 4 humors, which said that the human body is made up of 4 elements (humors):
From this idea, Galen proposed his theory, which classified the types of temperaments in this way:
With this theory as a basis, the writer Tim LaHaye proposed a new one, with some modifications and expansions: the 12 temperamental combinations.
Temperament combinations according to Tim LaHaye
For him, the fact that there were only 4 possible temperaments was an approach that was far from reality. Due to our complexity as beings, it is almost impossible for us to fit only into 4 categories, since each of us 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 one and the other the secondary one.
1. San-Col
The most extroverted of all. He is the people-oriented, enthusiastic type. Good organization and productivity predominate He talks too much and it is easy for him to expose his weaknesses to others; talks too much without knowing all the facts. At the slightest provocation he can detonate his anger.
2. San-Mel
Very emotional with constant mood fluctuations. They usually express their criticism of other people or situations openly ; They are perfectionists. You can establish very good social relationships when your arrogance does not come to the surface. It is usually unsafe.
3. Saint-Flem
He is usually good-humored and free; They tend to find the positive side in all situations. He likes to help people. It is regulated more by external circumstances and its environment than by its internal motivation You tend to appreciate family life and love. Their great weaknesses are lack of motivation and discipline.
Their effort is directed toward productivity and specific purposes. He has high energy levels, he always has to be doing something. Excellent communicator. The main weakness is hostility, he is very frank It is difficult for you to concentrate on something for a long time.
5. Col-Mel
Goal oriented and careful with details. Very hardworking and capable. Has an analytical, quick and determined mind Excellent for debates, combining his verbal aggressiveness with attention to facts. Competitive and powerful in everything he does; leadership profile. Some of his weaknesses are that he tends to become autocratic, is hostile and can harbor a lot of resentment.
6. Cabbage-Flem
A combination of lively and warm with calm and cold. Deliberate and calm. He is very organized, and is able to help others do their best. Can harbor 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 very dark humor. Charismatic, capable of gaining followers You tend to be rigid with others and be a strict critic.
8. Mel-Col
Perfectionist and good leader. Effective at managing and leading a business Prone to detailed analysis. Few things are difficult for him or go wrong. He is very difficult to please and rarely feels satisfied with himself.
9. Mel-Flem
Good at forming relationships with others. Analytical and organized perfectionists. It is generally humanitarian. Excellent in spelling and mathematics. Prefers to work alone in a quiet environment You may harbor anger and tend to have thoughts of revenge. You are vulnerable to fear, anxiety and a negative self-image.
He gets along easily with others, is cooperative, attentive, diplomatic and fun. Oriented towards people, rarely expresses aggressive attitudes One of his weaknesses is his lack of motivation and this is why, sometimes, he fails to exploit all of his abilities. Let good opportunities slip away.
11. Flem-Col
He is an excellent counselor, because he likes to listen and is interested in people. He can be a good leader. He is trustworthy and gentle, he poses no threat to anyone Always seeks to do the right thing. He can be very stubborn and refuse to give in. His inner anger is reflected in his silence. Fearful.
12. Flem Mel
Gentle, reliable and accurate. He rarely feels hostility. He is very empathetic, organized and likes to help others. Works very well under pressure, although tends to be passive Some of their weaknesses are fear, negativity, selfishness, and lack of a stable self-image. When he realizes that his fears are what are stopping him from achieving success, he comes out of his shell and becomes successful.
Our complexity goes beyond
Even with these 12 temperamental categories maybe there isn’t one that totally represents you, that is why you can continue making 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.
