What are the characteristics of phlegmatic temperament?

What is phlegmatic temperament?

The phlegmatic temperament arises from the theory made by the Greek philosopherGalen of Pergamon (1), on the proposals of two great thinkersequally Greek asEmpedocles (2) andHippocrates. (3)

In this sense, phlegmatic temperament is one of the types oftemperamentthat is characterized by peoplewith a predominance of aweak but balanced nervous system.

This type of temperament, has a low affective sensitivity but isin constant activityand has the ability to concentrate on what it does and like the choleric temperament, it is not very given to people.

To highlight: This temperament presents, unlike other temperaments such ascholeric, bloodandmelancholic, a low reactivity to medium stimuli and has alow correlation between activity and reactivity. He is usually an introvert and has low flexibility to changes in the environment.

What are the characteristics of phlegmatic temperament?

Next, we describethe most outstanding characteristicsof people who have a phlegmatic temperament:

1. It is based on a slow and balanced nervous system

As we mentioned at the beginning, in the individual with this type of temperament a slow nervous system predominates , which makes it less reactive to stimuli.

On the other hand, his nervous system is in balance which allows him to act with restraint , he thinks things through before doing them and does not show impulsiveness or haste in starting or carrying out activities.

2. Behavior is serene, calm and rational

Due to its balanced nervous system, this allows it to maintain a calm behavior since it shuns violence and is rather inclined to foster friendships, and it rarely suffers from any negative mood such as anger , being very patient and calm.

Note: People with a phlegmatic temperament like to think before they act, they do not suffer from unpredictable mood swings because they have a very high boiling point.

3. People are often shy and do not show their emotions

People with a phlegmatic temperament are essentially introverted, they prefer to keep a low profile and they are reserved emotions . This does not allow them to establish many interpersonal relationships, since they are not adept at social gatherings.

conciliatory action in the face of the conflicts of others because it likes peace.

4. It is a nice temperament and easy to carry

It can be said that this temperament is the most pleasant of the rest of the existing types of temperaments, since they are people with to docile and pleasant character.

To highlight: The phlegmatic has a good humor and a positive sense of life , he likes meetings but is not interested in getting involved in other people’s personal lives.

5. People are often apathetic, indecisive, fearful and self-protective

Due to their coldness, this temperament is usually apathetic when it comes to expressing their emotions and they are people who don’t laugh much, and they also show little interest in activities that are not part of their daily routine.

On the other hand, due to the low correlation between activity and reactivity, they are considered people who find it difficult to make immediate decisions, added to the fact that they are unwilling to change in the environment and are considered to have a high sense of protection towards themselves.

6. People focus on their inner life without getting involved in other

These people prefer to invest energy in themselves and that is why they focus their interest on their own life. They care little about what happens with others , they also have a tendency not to get involved in the affairs of other individuals.

Note: In many organizations they use Occupational psychology as a work area and the application of psychological tests can provide information on the type of temperament that people have, which allows them to be placed in the appropriate spaces.

Key Conclusions

• In the phlegmatic temperament a weak but balanced nervous system predominates .
• People with this temperament are calm, passive and act calmly.
• Phlegmatic people prefer to keep low profile and have reserved emotions.
• People with this temperament are introverted and do not like to attract attention, so they are not interested in leadership positions.