Tim LaHaye's 12 temperament combinations

One of the most ambitious objectives of psychology is to know how the personality of an individual is shaped, what influences its development and how it changes over time.

As a result of research and theories, it was found that humans have certain inclinations towards Specific attitudes, ideas, and preferences, which are influenced by an internal force called temperament. In this article we will see what they are Tim LaHaye's temperamental combinations.

• Related article: "Differences between personality, temperament and character"

What is temperament?

We understand by temperament the combination of personal attitudes and dispositions that we inherit from our family, especially from our parents.

It is good to know what kind of temperament we have, because in addition to knowing each other better, we learn to optimize our resources and take advantage of the potential we have; in addition to knowing how to control it at times when we need more rationality and not allowing it to control us unconsciously. Normally we act according to what we have, we do not have any in particular for the actions we do. They can range from subtle acts like certain preferences, to mindsets and attitudes.

Temperamental theories

Throughout history, different theories have been formulated about the types of existing temperaments. One of them is that of the 4 basic temperaments, made by Galen. It is based on the theory of the 4 humors of Hippocrates, which said that the human body is made up of 4 elements (humors):

• Blood.
• Phlegm.
• Yellow bile
• Black bile.

From this idea, Galen proposed his theory, which classified the types of temperaments in this way:

• Bloodlines.
• Phlegmatic.
• Choleric.
• Melancholic

With this theory as a basis, the writer Tim LaHaye proposed a new one, with some modifications and extensions: the 12 temperamental combinations.

The temperament combinations according to Tim LaHaye

For him, the fact that there were only 4 possible temperaments was an approach that was far from reality. Due to our complexity as beings, it is almost impossible for us to fit into only 4 categories, since we each have several strengths and several weaknesses, so the most convenient seemed to be consider that we can have combinations of temperaments, although one will always be the dominant and another the secondary.

1. San-Col

The most outgoing of all. He's the people-oriented, enthusiastic type. Good organization and productivity predominate. He talks too much and it is easy for him to expose his weaknesses to others; he talks too much without knowing all the facts. At the slightest provocation you can detonate your anger.

2. San-Mel

Very emotional with constant mood fluctuations. They usually express their criticism of other people or situations openly; they are perfectionists. He can establish very good social relationships when his arrogance does not come out. It is usually unsafe.

• You may be interested: "Perfectionist personality: the downsides of perfectionism"

3. Saint-Flem

Usually he is in a good mood and free; they tend to find the bright side in all situations. He likes to help people. It is regulated more by external circumstances and its environment than by its internal motivation. You tend to appreciate family life and love. His great weaknesses are the lack of motivation and discipline.

4. Col-San

His effort is directed at productivity and specific purposes. You have high energy levels, you always have to be doing something. Excellent communicator. The main weakness is hostility, he is very frank. It is difficult for you to focus on something for long.

5. Col-Mel

Goal oriented and careful with details. Very industrious and capable. Has an analytical, quick and determined mind. Excellent for debates combining his verbal aggressiveness with attention to the facts. Competitive and powerful in everything he does; leadership profile. Some of his weaknesses are that he tends to become autocratic, is hostile, and can hold a lot of resentment.

6. Col-Flem

A combination between the lively and warm with the calm and the cold. Deliberate and calm. He is very organized, and he is able to help others to do their best. Can nest resentment and bitterness. It is not easy for him to admit his mistakes and he is very stubborn.

7. Mel-san

Good communicator. Pay attention to the details. It is a very emotional being, it can reflect total happiness or a very black humor. Charismatic, able to gain followers. You tend to be rigid with others and be a strict critic.

8. Mel-Col

Perfectionist and good leader. Effective to manage and lead a business. Prone to detailed analysis. Few things cost him work or go wrong. He is very difficult to please and is rarely satisfied with himself.

• You may be interested: "The 10 personality traits of a leader"

9. Mel-flem

Good at building relationships with others. Analytical and organized perfectionists. It is generally humane. Excellent in spelling and math. Prefers to work alone in a quiet environment. You can nest anger and tend to have thoughts of revenge. You are vulnerable to fear, anxiety, and a negative self-image.

10. Flem-San

He easily connects with others, is cooperative, attentive, diplomatic and fun. People-oriented, rarely expresses aggressive attitudes. One of his weaknesses is the lack of motivation and that is why, at times, he fails to exploit all his capabilities. Let good opportunities slip away.

11. Flem-Col

He is an excellent counselor, because he likes to listen and is interested in people. You can be a good leader. It is reliable and gentle, it does not pose a threat to anyone. Always seek to do the right thing. You can be very stubborn and resist giving in. His inner anger is reflected in his silence. Fearful.

12. Flem-Mel

Gentle, reliable and accurate. You rarely feel hostility. He is very empathetic, organized and likes to help others. Works very well under pressure, although tends to be passive. Some of his weaknesses are fear, negativity, selfishness, and lack of a stable self-image. When he realizes that his fears are what prevent him from achieving success, he comes out of his shell and becomes successful.

Our complexity goes beyond

Still with these 12 temperamental categories maybe there is not one that fully represents youThat is why you can continue to make more combinations or give percentages to those that best describe you. Human beings are complex beings, so a precise classification of any of the elements that make up our personality is very difficult.