Temperament as God's Design

Temperament has been observed for centuries, as far back as ~400 BC with Hippocrates. In ancient times, notable figures hypothesized a connection between imbalances in bodily fluids and personality patterns. Over time, these early descriptions evolved. Rather than linking temperament to physical health, scholars redefined temperament as one's natural, inborn traits and started building on measurement tools that identified three areas of interpersonal needs: Inclusion, Control, and Affection. Building on this work, Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno developed the Temperament Assessment Profile in the 1980s as they conducted research on thousands of counselees. Today, the research and training from the Arnos provides the foundation of Temperament Therapy in Christian Counseling

Temperament is the inborn, God-given traits within a person. It can be viewed as the quality or "blueprint" of a person's soul (mind, will, & emotions). Everyone has a soul, but each person's soul is uniquely made in each different area -- resulting in a temperament blend. There are over 4,900 temperament blends, and two people can have the same exact temperament profile and present completely differently!

Through the National Christian Counselor's Association, counselors utilize Temperament (Creation) Therapy to help individuals align with their inborn traits to reduce internal and external conflict, and thrive in their lives.

To determine a person's temperament, we use the Arno Profile Survey (APS). This assessment is uniquely designed to bypass all learned behavior and reveal the deepest desires and needs within a person in less than 10 minutes. People who complete the assessment often report that it is unlike any other test they've completed in the past and "highly accurate".

"Why is temperament so important? I already know myself."

We often know who we are based on our environment and lived experience -- how life shaped us. But there was a foundation to how you were created. Understanding your unique temperament blend reveals the root of who you are and sheds light on various areas within a person's life, showing how a person may or may not be meeting their needs.

Individuals who learn their temperament type often find that it validates their experience and identity, producing greater self-knowledge and -awareness; resulting in healthier relationships with people, their environment, and themselves.

There are five temperament types and three areas of the soul that can have its own temperament. As our soul is comprised of our mind, will, and emotions, each area of need is aligned with these three areas through inclusion, control, and affection.

The Five Temperament Types

1. Melancholy

2. Choleric

3. Sanguine

4. Supine

5. Phelgmatic

Our Areas of Need within the Soul

• Inclusion = Mind

• Control = Will

• Affection = Affection

Because of the unique needs of each temperament and the operation of each soul area, a person can experience internal conflict due to unmet temperament needs. For example, Melancholies and Sanguines can be considered opposites, so if a person has both of these temperament types within their blending and their temperament needs are not being met, they might experience conflict and stress in their lives and not understand why.

Discovering one's temperament can be transformative and bring significant awareness to patterns, relationships, and experiences within one's life. Check out our testimonials to see the impact.

Interested in learning more about temperament or finding out your temperament blend? Contact us to schedule a temperament analysis.