One of the most ambitious goals of psychology is to know how an individual’s personality is shaped, what influences their 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 Tim LaHaye’s temperament combinations are .

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’s good to know what kind of temperament we have , because besides knowing ourselves better, we learn to optimize our resources and take advantage of the potential we have; besides knowing how to control it at times when we need more rationality and not allow it to control us unconsciously. Normally we act according to what we have, we do not have any in particular by the actions we do. They can be from subtle acts such as certain preferences, to ways of thinking and attitudes.

Temperamental theories

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

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

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

  • Sanguineous.
  • Phlegmatic.
  • Choleric.
  • Melancholy.

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

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. Because of our complexity as beings, it is almost impossible for us to fit into only 4 categories, as we each have several strengths and several weaknesses, so it seemed most convenient to consider that we can have combinations of temperaments , although one will always be the dominant one and another the secondary one.

1. San-Col

The most outgoing of all. He’s the people-oriented, enthusiastic type. Good organization and productivity prevail . He talks too much and can easily expose his weaknesses to others; he talks too much without knowing all the facts. At the slightest provocation he can trigger his anger.

2. San-Mel

Very emotional with constant mood swings. They usually express their criticism of other people or situations openly ; they are perfectionists. Can establish very good social relationships when their arrogance does not come out. They are usually insecure.

3. San-Flem

They are usually in a good mood and free; they tend to find the positive side to all situations. He likes to help people. He is regulated more by external circumstances and his environment than by his internal motivation . Tends to appreciate family life and love. His great weaknesses are his lack of motivation and discipline.

4. Col-San

Their effort is directed towards productivity and specific purposes. He has high energy levels, he always has to be doing something. Excellent communicator. The main weakness is hostility, he is very frank . It is difficult for him to concentrate on something for a long time.

5. Col-Mel

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

6. Col-Flem

A combination of hot and lively with cool and calm. Deliberate and calm. He is very organized, and is able to help others to give their best. He can nestle resentment and bitterness . It is not easy for him to recognize his mistakes and he is very stubborn.

7. Mel-San

Good communicator. Pay attention to detail. He is a very emotional being, can reflect total happiness or a very black mood. Charismatic, capable of getting followers . Tends to be rigid with others and to be a strict critic.

8. Mel-Col

A perfectionist and a good leader. Effective in managing and leading a business . Prone to detailed analysis. Few things cost him work or go wrong. He is very difficult to please and rarely feels satisfied with himself.

9. Mel-Flem

Good at building relationships with others. Analytical and organized perfectionists. Usually humane. Excellent at spelling and math. Prefers to work alone in a quiet environment . Can nestle anger and tends to have thoughts of revenge. He is vulnerable to fear, anxiety and a negative self-image.

10. Flem-San

He is cooperative, attentive, diplomatic and fun. Personally oriented, rarely expresses aggressive attitudes . One of his weaknesses is his lack of motivation and that is why he sometimes does not manage to exploit all his abilities. He lets good opportunities go by.

11. Flem-Col

He’s an excellent counselor, because he likes to listen and is interested in people. He can be a good leader. He is reliable and gentle, does not represent a threat to anyone . He is always looking to do the right thing. He can be very stubborn and resist giving in. His inner anger is reflected in his silence. Fearful.

12. Flem-Mel

Gentle, reliable and accurate. Rarely feels 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 keep him from succeeding, he comes out of his shell and becomes successful.

Our complexity goes beyond

Even with these 12 temperamental categories there may not be one that fully represents you , so you can still make more combinations or give percentages to those that best describe you. Human beings are complex beings, so it is very difficult to accurately classify any of the elements that make up our personality.