Psychology Teasers: A modern introduction to Psychology: 03/25/16

The Psychology Sessions 2

According to Empedocles (c.495-435 BCE), the Greek philosopher, the world is a combination of four elements: earth (cold and dry), air (warm and wet), fire (warm and dry) and water (cold and wet).

Hippocrates (460-370 BCE), the 'Father of Medicine', developed a medical model based on these elements, attributing their qualities to four fluids within the body ('humours') (Catherine Collin, 2012).

Galen (c.129-c.201 CE) expanded the theory of the four humours into one of personality connecting the levels of the humours in the body to emotional or behavioural inclinations ('temperaments'). The four temperaments (sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, melancholic) are based on the balance of the humours in the body.

Imbalance in the humours determines personality type and if one of the humours develops excessively, the corresponding type begins to dominate e.g. The sanguine personality type has too much blood (sanguis in Latin) and is, usually, optimistic, outspoken, assertive, sociable, warm-hearted and confident but, at times, can be selfish and eccentric.

The melancholic type, who has an excess of black bile is characterised by poetic and artistic leanings, which are, often, accompanied by sadness, fear, aloofness and introspection.

The choleric type, who suffers from excess yellow bile, is, usually, fiery, energetic, passionate, however, when threatened, this type can become irritable, excitable, aggressive and dominant.

The phlegmatic type suffers from excess phlegm and is quiet, rational, supportive, kind and consistent, but, on the negative side, can become sluggish, slow, shy and apathetic.

The theory of the four humours was believed for centuries, up through the Middle Ages, although it has not held up to modern scrutiny (Philip G. Zimbardo, 2002).

However, a modern echo of the theory meant to be seen, later, on 20th century theories of personality such as Gordon Allport's trait approach (1937) and, especially, Hans Eysenck's personality model (1973).

Although the theory of the four humours is no longer part of Psychology, the idea that many physical and mental illnesses are connected forms the basis of some modern methods of psychotherapy. Additionally, as stated above, humourism influenced modern psychologists and helped personality typology and trait theories to emerge.

In 1921, Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung was the first to introduce the terms 'introvert' and 'extrovert' (Fundamental Attitudes) in his book 'Psychological Types': 'Extraverts' are, usually, outgoing, sociable, assertive and talkative people, whereas, 'Introverts' tend to be more quiet, shy, withdrawn and cautious, however, they do not necessarily lack social skills. They are more inclined to direct their interests to ideas than to social events, because they feel more comfortable being alone compared to the 'Extroverts' (Steven L. McShane, 2005). According to Jung, the psychic energy flow of the 'Extroverts' is outward, whereas, the psychic energy of the 'Introverts' is inward.

Dominant Functions: Further, Jung suggested that everyone has particular preferences for collecting, processing and acquiring information(Sensing or Intuition) and judging or deciding on action (Thinking or Feeling). Sensing Types depend on their five senses and use an organised structure in order to acquire information, whereas, Intuitive Types rely more on subjective evidence, personal intuition and sheer inspiration. Thinking Types weigh the evidence more objectively and less emotionally compared to the Feeling Types, who make choices according to their personal values. Examples of suggestive occupations matching the Eight Jungian Types (Feist and Feist, 2009):

Catherine Collin, Voula Grand, Nigel Benson, Merrin Lazyan, Joannah Ginsburg and Marcus Weeks (2012), The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply explained, London: Dorling Kindersley Limited.

Richard J. Gerrig and Philip G. Zimbardo (2002), Psychology and Life, 7th edition, Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Steven L. McShane and Mary Ann Von Glinow (2005), Organizational Behaviour: Emerging Realities for the Worklplace Revolution, 3rd International Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Feist and Feist (2009), Theories of Personality, 7th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Tim Voridis

Organisational Psychologist/Consultant - Communication and Personality Specialist

'Innovation for a brighter future'.