Typology of characters is very conditional. This is just an attempt by psychologists to classify types of individuals to simplify their analysis. Because there are many theories in this area. Freud, Jung, Hahnemann, Leontyev, and other well-known experts tried to describe the term “character” and systematize its varieties. For a better understanding of oneself and building productive relationships with others it is enough to know the types of temperament and some basic types of personalities.
What is a person's character?
Character is a set of stable mental properties that determine the characteristics of behavior and the construction of relationships. It is interconnected with other aspects of the personality, for example, with temperament, which determines its external expression. What kind of character you have is influenced by social conditions. To determine its appearance, you need to rely on a set of features that are divided into:
- Certain. Dominates one or more features.
- Indefinite. No dominant characteristics.
- Contradictory. When the awareness of the goals and actions of the person is dissonant.
- Solid. No controversy.
Types of a person's character
4 types of character depending on temperament
Depending on the prevailing qualities of character and reactions to different situations, there are 4 temperaments: phlegmatic, choleric, sanguine, and melancholic.
Phlegmatic person
Differs unhurriedly, his mood changes slightly, at least outwardly, he shows emotions almost imperceptibly. The work is persistent, it relies on quality, not speed. In most situations, calm, rarely losing composure and balance. Phlegmatic zealous, they try to bring what has been started to the end. They do better than others work that requires perseverance and increased attention.
| Strong features: | Weak sides: |
|---|---|
| calm; cheerful temper; tact; reliability; practicality; appeasability; organization; equilibrium; conservatism. | timidity; passivity; stinginess; indecision; selfishness; closeness. |
Choleric
Passionate, quick, emotional, quick-tempered. Mood is changeable, such a person is quickly depleted. Differs sharpness in the movements, decisions and statements. It lights up quickly, but under adverse conditions it can turn into aggression.
| Strong features: | Weak traits: |
|---|---|
| activity; assertiveness; determination; confidence; independence; strong will; dreaminess; pragmatism; creative potential. | pride; self-confidence; sarcastic; imperiousness; cruelty; deceit; tension; anger; inattention to others. |
Sanguine
Lively, agile, everything in his hands is on fire, his mood is changeable. A person with this type of character quickly reacts to changes and adapts to them. Failures can not stop him, he quickly leaves them. Emotional in the expression of feelings, with active facial expressions. If the work is interesting to the sanguine person, he will do it quickly, revealing his potential, otherwise, he is indifferent to work.
Sociable, in a new society honors himself relaxed. Multitasking, can be a leader, do several things at once or follow the process.
| Strengths: | Weak sides: |
|---|---|
| enthusiasm; compassion; friendliness; generosity; talkativeness; carelessness; cordiality. | boasting; disorganization; noise; timidity; selfishness; weakness; restlessness; imbalance. |
Melancholic
Emotionally unstable, such a person is easy to hurt. He is always worried about something, impressionable. Among the melancholic most common are pessimists and introverts. With such a character, a person experiences even a trifle. The new company feels awkward and closed, trying not to change anything in their lives, most often because of fear.
| Positive features: | Negative traits: |
|---|---|
| fidelity; esthetics; talent; perfectionism; dedication; discipline; Analytical mind. | demanding; pessimism; selfishness; vindictiveness; severity; isolation; touchiness |
Five-factor model
Among other theories about the typology of personalities, the five-factor model put forward by R. McCray and P. Costa in 1992 deserves attention. According to it, each person can be characterized by 5 personal factors.
Extrovert - introvert
These types of character affect the social sphere.
Extroverts tend to assertive behavior. As a rule, they are optimistic, sociable, cheerful. They have well developed social skills, a sense of humor, they are not afraid to express their opinions, they feel relatively easily in a new company. Such people avoid loneliness, try to be surrounded by people, they have many friends.
Introverts are shy and withdrawn, behaving detached. They find it difficult to get along with other people, they often become anxious, unsure of themselves. From the side it may seem that they are unfriendly, although they rather do not know how to build relationships than they do not want. Introverts do not like large crowds of people.
Emotional Instability - Stability
Neuroticism is associated with maturity.
The nature of people of the neurotic type presupposes the predominance of negative emotions — anxiety, fear, anger. This negatively affects mood, causes constant anxiety, gives rise to impulsiveness, craving for risky events. Neurotics are more susceptible to depression, the emergence of phobias.
Emotionally stable people, on the contrary, are reliable, distinguished by their willpower. During difficult situations, they stand firmly on their feet, they are difficult to knock out of a rut.
Separation - livable
These character traits show a disposition towards other people, a craving for collectivism or individualism.
Altruists, generous, able to sympathize and help other people are inherent in livability or friendliness. Such people are generous, willing to support emotionally.
People with a separate type of personality - egocentric, compete.
Responsibility - lack of self control
We are talking about the ability to plan, self-control, dedication.
Responsible people rely on rules, are disciplined, but tough, often they lack the ability to be creative. They are inherent scrupulousness, punctuality, ambition. Spontaneous decisions are unusual for them, sometimes they are boring.
People whose self-control is not spontaneous in decisions and actions, are able to enjoy life, often behave irresponsibly. They are amenable to laziness, do not differ power vod.
Openness to experience - conservatism
It is about the ability to think critically.
People who have an openness to experience, have their own values, they love to argue, ask questions. They are distinguished by artistry, originality, high intelligence. They have a developed imagination, they are independent, curious.
Conservatives prefer tradition, stability, they are tied to family values, rarely change something in life.
In its pure form, specific types of human character are extremely rare. Most often, people have dominant features or coincidence of several types of personality. Character changes with age, experience, living certain situations.
