This is a breakdown of the temperaments and how one is parallel, but goes beyond ADHD. |
Paradigm Shift: ADHD vs. Sanguine Temperament ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Inattention Lack of concentration Disorganization Easily distracted Forgetful Impulsive Restless Very talkative Interrupts Sanguine Temperament Inattention Lack of concentration Disorganization Easily distracted Forgetful Impulsive Restless Very talkative Interrupts (Egotistical) Weak-willed Emotionally unstable Unpredictable Circumstantial Joyful/Cheerful Optimistic Passionate Outgoing/Attention-seeking Responsive to emotions Charismatic Compassionate Impractical/Dreamer Storyteller Childlike Memory for smells & colors Makes friends easily Doesn’t hold grudges Loves people The four temperaments are different clusters of behavioral traits, and one of them is dominant in each individual, regardless of age. Hippocrates named them, and the Greek doctor, Galen, around A.D. 200, defined the characteristics of each one. The four temperaments are: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic. The traits of the Sanguine temperament are listed above. Some variations of traits within this temperament may be highly visible and others may be subdued. The visible traits may change in intensity over time, and will be affected by life events which affect character. Character, which encompasses your beliefs and the values you hold dear, is shaped by ALL circumstances in your lifetime. This is an attempt to show positive aspects of self instead of focusing on negative behavioral traits. Positive traits can be strengthened by encouragement from others. This is not an attempt to do away with ADHD, but rather a call for it to be a diagnosed based on physical impairments, such as harm to self or others due to behavioral symptoms. Attention should, of course also be paid to limited social interaction and slow academic progress. Limited social interaction is not healthy for the Sanguine, and there may be another dysfunction. What Sanguines need: 1. Constant encouragement. They need to know that they are doing a good job. They want to be accepted by other people. 2. Patience from people of other temperaments. They can be forgetful, and may need to be reminded of certain tasks they need to accomplish. They are passionate starters, but may quit if they aren’t encouraged. 3. Positive reinforcement. Telling them that you will let other people, especially their parents, know how good they have been will bring about positive changes in behavior. 4. To tell their stories. They know themselves very well and are able to laugh at themselves. They see the good in other people. This is a trait that people of other temperaments can learn from. They may tell grand tales due to their creative style, so you must weigh their words accordingly. 5. Understanding from people of other temperaments. Sanguines are very passionate people, and they fixate on certain ideas or topics. It is best to find out what those fixations are, for hitting their hot buttons the wrong way can bring on an outburst of anger. They are not as unpredictable as they may seem. Use these hot buttons to your advantage. So you may see the difference between temperaments, and use them to your advantage, I will show you the other temperaments. I hope that you may see where you fit in. Choleric Temperament Hot-tempered Cruel Impetuous Self-sufficient Impatient Born eader Dynamic Practical Compulsive need for change Must correct wrongs Unemotional Strong-willed Independent Optimistic Not discouraged easily Confident Goal-oriented Knows the right answers Can see the whole picture Quickly moves to action Thrives on opposition Little need for friends Leads and organizes Excels in emergencies Delegates work Motivator Long-term thinker Melancholy Temperament Self-centered Pessimistic Moody Revengeful Skeptical Sensitive to anguish of others Analytical Deep thinker Self-introspective Artistic or musical Self-sacrificing Poetic and philosophical Appreciates beauty Perfectionist with high standards Detail conscious Neat and tidy Organized Sees the problem Seeks creative solutions Must finish what is started Content to stay behind the scenes Likes charts, numbers, and lists Cautious to make friends Will listen to complaints Problem solver for others Moved to tears with compassion Tries not to raise attention Serious Conscientious Studious Reflective Not practical--Dreamer Phlegmatic temperament Slow and Lazy Teaser/Sarcastic Selfish Stubborn Indecisive Detached observer Calm and collected Quiet Witty Sympathetic Kind Inoffensive Hides emotions Reconciled to life Not in a hurry Takes the good with the bad Practical Dry sense of humor Mediator Avoids confrontation and conflict Cool under pressure Takes the easiest way Good listener Likes to watch people Compassionate and concerned Pleasant Good administrative ability Intuitive Dependable Efficient Further Reading: LaHaye, Tim. Spirit-Controlled Temperament. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL: 1982. Littauer, Florence. Personality Plus. Fleming H. Revell—a division of Baker Publishing Group. Grand Rapids, MI: 1992. ----Personality Plus for Parents: Understanding What Makes Your Child Tick. Baker Publishing Group. Grand Rapids, MI: 2000. |