Coexistence between gifted individuals and people with a choleric temperament can be challenging due to a series of factors intrinsic to the psychological characteristics of gifted people. Firstly, the emotional intensity experienced by gifted individuals is considerably high, which can be exacerbated by the emotional outbursts typical of choleric people, resulting in sensory and emotional overload. This hypersensitivity can trigger anxiety, stress and even panic attacks when faced with aggressive displays of anger (Rinn & Reynolds, 2012).
Furthermore, many gifted individuals value harmony and peace in their interpersonal relationships. The unpredictable and volatile nature of a choleric person can disrupt this need for stability, generating discomfort and frustration. Analytical thinking and the tendency to delve deeper into situations and emotions make anger, which is often irrational, difficult to understand and process logically, culminating in frustration and misunderstanding (Webb et al., 2005).
The difficulty in dealing with conflicts assertively is also a critical point. Gifted individuals may choose to avoid confrontation or give in to demands to minimize the negative emotional impact, which may not be an effective long-term solution. High expectations regarding the rational behavior of others can result in disappointment when faced with uncontrolled anger, seen as immaturity or character flaw (Neihart et al., 2002).
Furthermore, divergent communication styles between gifted and choleric people can worsen misunderstandings and conflicts. Gifted people tend to communicate more subtly and indirectly, while cholerics are more direct and expressive. This difference can intensify disagreements and make it difficult to resolve conflicts peacefully (Cross & Coleman, 2005).
According to the book Gifted Temperament by Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues, choleric temperament can be found in people with a high IQ. Although choleric temperament is often observed in people with high IQs, this does not eliminate the possibility of relationship problems between gifted and choleric individuals. High intelligence does not necessarily balance or alleviate the intense emotions and reactions that characterize the choleric temperament.
Therefore, similarities between gifted people and people with choleric temperament can both facilitate mutual understanding and create significant tensions. The key to healthy relationships between these individuals lies in recognizing and managing these similarities and differences, seeking balance and effective communication.
References:
• Cross, T. L., & Coleman, L. J. (2005). School-Based Conception of Giftedness. Psychology in the Schools, 42(3), 317-325. DOI: 10.1002/pits.20090.
• Neihart, M., Reis, S. M., Robinson, N. M., & Moon, S. M. (Eds.). (2002). The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know? Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.
• Rinn, A. N., & Reynolds, M. J. (2012). Overexcitabilities and giftedness research: A call for a more measured approach. Gifted Child Quarterly, 56(3), 153-162. DOI: 10.1177/0016986212444901.
• Webb, J. T., Gore, J. L., Amend, E. R., & DeVries, A. R. (2005). A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children. Scottsdale, AZ: Great Potential Press.