Temperament:
- Biological basis: It is considered the biological basis of personality, influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.
- Stable and little changeable: It manifests itself early in childhood and tends to be relatively stable throughout life.
- Characteristics: Includes traits such as calmness, activity, impulsiveness, emotionality, sociability, among others.
Personality:
- Set of characteristics: It is a broader set of characteristics that includes temperament, but also other factors such as:
- Life experiences: Influenced by life experiences, culture, education and values.
- Cognitions: Influenced by beliefs, thoughts, values and attitudes.
- Social environment: Influenced by the social environment in which the individual develops.
- Dynamic and changeable: Personality is more dynamic and changeable than temperament, and can be shaped by different factors throughout life.
Analogy:
- Temperament: Like the dough of a cake, it defines the basic structure.
- Personality: Like the topping and filling of the cake, they personalize and define the final flavor.
Examples:
- A person with a calm temperament may have an extroverted personality if they grew up in a socially stimulating environment.
- A person with an impulsive temperament can have a controlled personality if they have learned to manage their emotions.
Relationship between Temperament and Personality:
- Interdependent: Temperament provides the foundation on which personality develops.
- Mutual influence: Temperament can influence personality and vice versa.
Importance of Understanding:
- Self-knowledge: Understanding the difference between temperament and personality can help with self-knowledge and personal development.
- Relationships: Can help understand others and improve interpersonal relationships.
Remember if:
- Interconnected concepts: Temperament and personality are interconnected concepts that contribute to the individuality of each person.
- Professional assessment: Individualized assessment by a qualified professional is essential for a deeper understanding of temperament and personality. You can find this professional by contacting us at contacto@cpah.eu