The concept of four temperaments and humors is an ancient and alternative approach to personality theory by Hippocrates. He proposed an imbalance of bodily fluids (i.e. black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, blood) results in extreme temperaments.
The cure would be to let out excess fluids through surgical cuts—practices which have since been fully abandoned. Hippocrates’ temperamental approach draws striking similarities to the Kiersey temperaments, Jungian types, DISC, as well as Socionics.
The four temperaments had a significant impact on Western thought and influenced various fields, including medicine, psychology, and literature. They were prevalent during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. They also played a role in early personality theories, such as Carl Jung’s psychological types.
x-axis (vertical): Introversion – Extraversion scale
y-axis (horizontal): Thinking – Feeling scale
A 2 x 2 table of Hippocrates’ four (4) temperaments:
| Melancholic | Choleric |
| Black Bile IT (Introverted Thinker) DISC: Conscientious (C) Socionics: IJ (Balanced–Stable) Keirsey Temperament: Rational True Colors: Green | Yellow Bile ET (Extraverted Thinker) DISC: Dominant (D) Socionics: EJ (Linear–Assertive) Keirsey Temperament: Artisan True Colors: Orange |
| Phlegmatic | Sanguine |
| Phlegm IF (Introverted Feeler) DISC: Steady (S) Socionics: IP (Receptive–Adaptive) Keirsey Temperament: Guardian True Colors: Gold | Blood EF (Extraverted Feeler) DISC: Influencing (I) Socionics: EP (Flexible–Maneuvering) Keirsey Temperament: Idealist True Colors: Blue |
Melancholic
Perfectionistic and organized, the Melancholic temperament upholds logic and consistency above all else to their high internal standards. They take work seriously and strive to sharpen their skillset.
They may also exhibit perfectionism, moodiness, and a tendency to be overly self-critical or pessimistic.
As for Holland Codes, Melancholics typically favor Investigative (I), Conventional (C), and Artistic (A) careers.
Common traits associated with the Melancholic temperament:
- Focused
- Meticulous
- Logical
- Analytical
- Detail-oriented
Ideal career choices for the Melancholic temperament:
- Scientist
- Researcher
- Analyst
- Professor
- Technical writer
Choleric
Direct and Type A to a tee, the firey Choleric temperament sets goals and hits them. Better yet, they go above and beyond. They also build doors of opportunity for themselves and knock them down, unapologetically.
They may also display impatience, irritability, and a tendency to be controlling or dominating in their interactions.
As for Holland Codes, Cholerics typically favor Enterprising (E), Social (S) and Realistic (R) careers.
Common traits associated with the Choleric temperament:
- Driven
- Ambitious
- Headstrong
- Impatient
- Serious
Ideal career choices for the Choleric temperament:
- CEO
- Creative director
- Lawyer
- Entrepreneur
- Business leader
Phlegmatic
Patient and supportive, the mellow Phlegmatic temperament tolerates and heals others. They make excellent mediators, middle managers, and counselors.
They may, however, display passivity, indecisiveness, and a tendency to resist change or avoid taking risks.
As for Holland Codes, Phlegmatics typically favor Realistic (R), Social (S), and Conventional (C) careers.
Common traits associated with the Phlegmatic temperament:
- Accepting
- Calm
- Stable
- Collected
- Harmonizing
Ideal career choices for the Phlegmatic temperament:
- Counsellor
- Human resources (HR) coordinator
- Veterinarian
- Nurse
- Artist
Sanguine
Bubbly and optimistic, the Sanguine temperament lightens up the mood and brings life to the party. They possess boundless amounts of energy and thoroughly enjoy being on the go.
They may, however, display impulsiveness, distractibility, and a tendency to avoid routine or long-term commitments.
As for Holland Codes, Sanguines typically favor Social (S), Enterprising (C), and Artistic (A) careers.
Common traits associated with the Sanguine temperament:
- Charismatic
- Optimistic
- Open-minded
- Explorative
- Energetic
Ideal career choices for the Sanguine temperament:
- Public relations (PR) coordinator
- Social influencer
- Actor
- Comedian
- Travel writer
Four Temperaments and Humors: A Summary
We’ve looked at the following four temperaments and humors in detail:
- Melancholic (Introverted Thinker)
- Choleric (Extraverted Thinker)
- Phlegmatic (Introverted Feeler)
- Sanguine (Extraverted Feeler)
References
Faria M. A. (2015). A journey through time to ancient Greek medicine with medical historian and classical scholar Plinio Prioreschi, MD, PhD. Surgical Neurology International, 6, 100.
Fisher, H. E., Island, H. D., Rich, J., Marchalik, D., & Brown, L. L. (2015). Four broad temperament dimensions: description, convergent validation correlations, and comparison with the Big Five. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 1098. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01098.
Jackson, William. (2001). A short guide to humoral medicine. Trends in pharmacological sciences. 22. 487-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-6147(00)01804-6.
Kalachanis, Konstantinos & Michailidis, Ioannis. (2015). The Hippocratic View on Humors and Human Temperament. 2. 1-5.
Kleisiaris, C. F., Sfakianakis, C., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2014). Health care practices in ancient Greece: The Hippocratic ideal. Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine, 7, 6.
Kushner, Irving. (2012). The 4 Humors and Erythrocyte Sedimentation: The Most Influential Observation in Medical History. The American Journal of Medical Sciences. 346. https://doi.org/10.1097/MAJ.0b013e31826cad55.
Lester, David. (1990). Galen’s four temperaments and four-factor theories of personality. Journal of Personality Assessment. 54. 423-426.
Tipton C. M. (2014). The history of “Exercise Is Medicine” in ancient civilizations. Advances in physiology education, 38(2), 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00136.2013.