Temperament refers to a person’s inherent nature, including patterns of thoughts, behaviors, emotional responses and personal traits. The concept of temperament is widely used in psychology to explore the unique character traits and behavioural patterns that each person possesses.
Understanding the Concept of Temperament
Many of us use the term temperament colloquially to refer to someone’s mood or disposition. However, in psychology, it has a more specific definition. Temperament is considered to be largely biologically based, arising from genetic, biological, and neurochemical factors. It is often established by the time a child is two or three years old and tends to be stable across a person’s lifespan.
Temperament should not be mistaken for personality. Although the two are closely related concepts, they are not the same. Personality includes learned behaviours and experiences aside from biological predisposition. So, while temperament forms the core, personality is shaped by this base nature and a person’s life experiences.
Types of Temperament
There are various models and theories that outline different types of temperament, but one of the most recognized models is the one proposed by psychologists Alexander Thomas and Stella Chess.
They classified temperament into three primary types: easy or flexible, difficult, active, or feisty, and slow to warm up or cautious.
– An easy or flexible child is generally calm, happy, regular in sleeping and eating habits, adaptable, and not easily upset.
– Children with a difficult, active, or feisty temperament are often fussy, irregular in feeding and sleeping habits, fearful of new people and situations, easily upset by noise and commotion, high-strung, and intense in their reactions.
– The slow to warm up or cautious child is somewhat of a blend between the easy and difficult child. They are generally calm, but may be fussy if their routines are disrupted.
These categories relate to children, but similar characteristics can be observed and categorized in adults as well.
Significance of Temperament
Understanding an individual’s temperament has implications in various areas of life including personal relationships, career choices, and particularly in child raising and education. By observing and recognizing a child’s temperamental characteristics, parents, educators, and caregivers can modify their approach to best meet a child’s needs and nurture their development.
To sum up, temperament is an inherent part of our makeup. It’s not something we choose, or that is imposed upon us, but rather a part of the unique biological framework that makes us who we are. While it forms the foundational basis of our behavior, it is also influenced and shaped by our environment and life experiences. It’s a fascinating field of study that continues to provide invaluable insights into human behavior and personality.