What makes us each the way we are?
How can people be so different?
Temperament theory is based upon the fact that people take in, process, and act upon information in very different ways from one another. Peoples' brains are actually "wired" to respond to the world differently. These differences are inborn, like being right or left handed. Recently, researchers have begun to document the genetic basis for temperament, which is a very interesting subject! (The Introvert Advantage, is one book with some fascinating information on this).
The subject of much research, temperament theory is not involved with peoples' values and beliefs, it is simply a map of the basic temperaments people are born with. Their experiences, beliefs and values do not alter their basic temperament but rather fit into it and are experienced, understood, and responded to through it.
Temperament theory is really helpful anytime/anywhere people need to learn how to value, understand one another and work together more productively- and also when one wants to better understand himself and make choices that fit better!
God created each of us differently, to fill a specific niche in the overall plan:
For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly Ro 12:4-6
...For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 1 Cor. 12:14-21
Stop trying to force yourself to be something you are not, and stop expecting others to be as you are- stop getting so frustrated with yourself and others... Discovering your type can help you to understand yourself and others better, help you find the right direction/career for your life, make the best use of your natural capabilities, as well as help you learn to communicate and relate to others more productively. There are strengths and weaknesses for each type.
If you find people interesting and fascinating, you will find temperament theory so, too. And it's fun!
Free Online Tests!
Real temperament assessments are complex tests given by trained professionals... however, if you know yourself well, you can take one of these simple free online tests and, with some introspection and practice, figure out which type you are. If you don't know yourself well, the exercise will help you understand yourself better. Many, if not most, times people do not come out with their correct type when they first take one of these tests. This is because you have to really zero in on your *own* inclinations and answer the questions honestly, in terms of what you'd honestly rather do -what comes naturally and is most comfortable for you- and not automatically put what you believe a person is supposed to do or what you admire in other people or what you are required by others to do. It has nothing to do with what you believe is right for a person to do; that is a different subject.
If the temperament description does not ring true to you, spend some time thinking about the different aspects of temperament and try to notice which ones you tend to use in everyday life, and then try taking the test again, or take a different test and see if you are able to relate to the questions better the way someone else has put them. If you take several of the tests you can see if you come out the same overall. And have fun- remember, on these tests, there are no wrong answers! In the process, you will get to know and understand yourself -and others- so much better. Enjoy the journey.
- humanmetrics The Jung Typology Test - choose between 2 responses to each of 72 questions
- personalitytype Rather than answering specific questions, read descriptions of the different preferences and decide which describes you best.
- kisa The kisa personality test adds the option of choosing "I'm really in between" if you find it difficult to say which response fits best
- gesher The Gray-Wheelright test is another test by question
Read more about Temperament!
- personalitypage The Personality Page has information on many aspects of temperament - this one is my favorite!
- personalitytype.com Type in the four letters of your choice, click on "discover your type" and go to a short description as well as pages on "great careers" "how to love" and "how to parent" that type
- typelogic Down to earth descriptions
- keirsey David Keirsey is a temperament researcher and writer who divides the 16 temperaments into 4 groups which he feels share the same basic instincts
- Type Descriptions Here are some very good summaries of the 4 groups
- 4temperaments ...and yet more info
- Take another Free Myers-Briggs Test
Fun Personality Humor!
After you get to know the different temperament types and how they think, there is a lot of humor to be found, and actually, sometimes these humorous looks at temperaments can be pretty helpful at zeroing in on your own or someone else's type- they are amusingly accurate!