Tim LaHaye’s 12 Temperament Combinations

This researcher created 12 categories that describe our way of being.

One of the most ambitious goals of psychology is to know how an individual's personality 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 are Tim LaHaye's temperamental combinations..

What is temperament?

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

It is good to know what type of temperament we haveBecause in addition to 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 the one we have, we do not have a particular one for the actions we do. They can range 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 humors of Hippocrates, which said that the human body is formed by 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:

• Sanguineous.
• 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. Because of 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 thing seemed to be to to consider that we can have combinations of temperamentsalthough one will always be the dominant and the other the secondary.

1. San-Col

The most extroverted of all. It is of the people-oriented, enthusiastic type. Predominates good organization and productivity.. 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, he can trigger his anger.

2. San-Mel

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

3. San-Flem

They are usually humorous and free; they tend to find the positive side of all situations. Likes to help people. They are regulated more by external circumstances and their environment than by their internal motivation.. They tend to appreciate family life and love. His great weaknesses are lack of motivation and discipline.

4. Col-San

Your effort is directed towards productivity and specific purposes. Has high energy levels, always has to be doing something. Excellent communicator. Main weakness is hostility, he is very outspoken.. Difficult to concentrate on something for a long time.

5. Col-Mel

Goal oriented and careful with details. Very industrious and capable. Has an analytical, quick and decisive mind.. Excellent debater combining 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 autocratic, is hostile and can hold a lot of resentment.

6. Col-Flem

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

7. Mel-San

Good communicator. He pays attention to details. He is a very emotional being, he can reflect total happiness or a very black mood. Charismatic, able to get followers. Tends to be rigid with others and be a strict critic.

8. Mel-Col

Perfectionist and good leader. Effective at 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. Generally a humanitarian. Excellent in spelling and mathematics. Prefers to work alone in a quiet environment. Can nestle anger and tends to have thoughts of revenge. Vulnerable to fear, anxiety and negative self-image.

10. Flem-San

He gets along easily with others, is cooperative, attentive, diplomatic and fun. People-oriented, rarely expresses aggressive attitudes.. One of his weaknesses is a lack of motivation, which is why he sometimes fails to exploit all his abilities. He lets good opportunities slip away.

11. Flem-Col

He is an excellent counselor, because he likes to listen and is interested in people. He can be a good leader. He is reliable and gentle, he is not a threat to anyone.. Always seeks 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 well under pressure, but tends to be passive.. Some of his weaknesses are fear, negativity, selfishness and lack of a stable self-image. When he realizes that it is his fears that are holding him back from success, he comes out of his shell and becomes successful.

Our complexity goes further

Even with these 12 temperamental categories there may not be one that fully represents you, so more can be made.That is why you can continue to make more combinations or give percentages to the ones 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.