The Four Temperaments: Is san-mel possible?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the validity of the Four Temperaments theory, specifically the possibility of a person embodying both sanguine and melancholic traits simultaneously. Participants assert that this theory is outdated and liken it to alchemy in the context of modern psychology. Current psychological understanding emphasizes neuroscience and the DSM IV for defining psychiatric disorders, indicating a significant evolution in the field. For a comprehensive understanding, members recommend consulting modern psychology textbooks to grasp contemporary theories and concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Four Temperaments theory
  • Familiarity with DSM IV and psychiatric disorders
  • Basic knowledge of personality psychology
  • Awareness of neuroscience's role in modern psychology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research contemporary personality psychology theories
  • Study the DSM IV for definitions of psychiatric disorders
  • Explore neuroscience's impact on behavioral psychology
  • Read a modern introductory psychology textbook
USEFUL FOR

Students of psychology, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in the evolution of personality theories and modern psychological practices.

Eus
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Hi Ho!

Referring to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Temperaments under "Temperament Blends", I would like to discuss whether it is possible for a person to have a blend of sanguine and melancholic at the same time.

AFAIK, a sanguine tends to be sloppy while a melancholic tends to be perfectionist. How then can one person be sloppy and neat at the same time?

If I am not in the right forum to discuss this, please give me a pointer to a better one. Thanks.


Eus
 
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Such concepts as the four temperaments are VERY outdated. Modern psychology would only teach them from an historical perspective to show how far we've come since then, not because there is any validity to the ideas.
 
Um.. original poster - you're joking, right? This is like asking an alchemy question under 'chemistry'.
 
Hi Ho!

Moonbear:
What is the most recent concept accepted among modern psychology scholars?

alxm:
No, I'm not joking. I am not a psychology guy and trying to find the truth out :-)
"alchemy" under "chemistry"? I didn't realize that it is the situation. In that case, what is the right concept?

No offense, but I'd like to be sure of this: you guys are modern psychology scholars, aren't you? I just want to be sure that it is not the blind leading another blind.

Thanks for helping :-)


Eus
 
Nowadays, we explain most behavior through neuroscience (or strive to). Accepted psychiatric disorders are defined in the DSM IV, which is a rather large volume. And, yes, the four temperaments is along the lines of alchemy in terms of how completely outdated it is.
 
Eus,
We here are not all psycology scholars. Look for a modern introductory psychology textbook. As other members have commented, psychology today has advanced from what it was 50 years ago. I would best guess that psychology textbooks from the 1950's would have nearly nothing to say about Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, or the Silicon Valley effect (frequency of Autism spectrum resulting individuals in the Silicon Valley area).
 
Personality psychology is still an active area of study. There are quite a few theories you can read about here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_psychology

I am inclined to agree with the others that the Four Temperament theory is archaic, but good to know about to understand historical foundations of this branch of psychology.

(I have a psych degree, but only a BS, and in the cognitive area. :smile:)
 

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