I have found that personality/temperament is overlooked in disability discussion. Personality classification systems such as the five temperament system are not meant to shove someone in a box/mold, but to create understanding like a diagnosis would. Personality affects the way that one would deal with their disability or (in the case of neurological disorders/mental illnesses) the differences in manifestation, even within the same subtype.
ABA and other methods of behavioral training do not change temperament. While this training can send subconscious messages to act more like (this temperament), temperament does not change. Temperament is innate hardwiring, not brought on by environmental factors. For example, a choleric might fight and resist while a phlegmatic might cry, retreat within themselves, and wonder why they can't be "normal".
Associating certain temperaments and temperament blends with specific disabilities creates misconceptions that can lead to harmful stereotypes, misdiagnosis, or another underlying issue not being brought to light. The driving needs of certain temperaments might mask a disability; the converse of this statement is true. For example, an autistic sanguine might mimic social norms to fulfill their need for social interactions, but have trouble maintaining relationships for longer than the duration of a social event. Likewise, a melancholic temperament might mask the presence of ADHD.
Meltdowns and medical issues are not to be taken into account when determining temperament. A supine that has violent meltdowns is not more choleric because of them; a choleric with chronic fatigue is not more phlegmatic due to their chronic fatigue.
I, a melancholic sanguine or a choleric supine with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD (inattentive type), will be writing this series on disability and the five temperaments. Let me know if I should write about something or if you have any questions by commenting below.
This sounds very interesting. Do you want to be a doctor some day?
ReplyDeleteI do not want to be a doctor. I want to be a music teacher or an arranger/composer. The temperament system helps me to understand other people.
DeleteVery interesting read. I still think of Mary Poppins when I think of temperaments, but perhaps disposition is different.I'll have to look into that:-)
ReplyDeleteTemperament is inborn and cannot be changed. It can be masked, but never changed. How does Mary Poppins remind you of temperament?
DeleteSounds like a very interesting topic. I need to look up the five temperaments to get a better understanding first!
ReplyDeleteYou can find out about them at various websites. Most of them are Christian websites.
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