Temperament is an innate personality trait that plays a key role in how active and energetic we are in life, how we react to events and how we build relationships with others. It influences our daily routines, career choices and ability to establish communications. To determine one's temperament type, scientists have developed a number of tests. However, the test created by Eysenck is considered the most recognized and effective tool in this area.
Most tests for temperament, proposed by different authors, are simplified and shortened versions of Eysenck's questionnaire and are often characterized by an increased degree of error in the results.
Definition of temperament
Ancestor Test
Research to accurately determine temperament began many years ago. The original questionnaire for analyzing temperament and its components, the MMQ, was proposed by Hans Eysenck in 1947. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions requiring a yes or no answer and allowed temperament to be assessed solely on a "neuroticism" scale. In the process of research conducted on large groups of people, scientist Hans Eysenck identified a new characteristic - the scale "extraversion- introversion".
Modernized methods
In 1963, Eysenck presented an updated EPI (Eysenck Personality Inventory) questionnaire consisting of 57 items, 48 of which are designed to assess the scales of "neuroticism" and "extraversion- introversion", and the remaining 9 questions form a scale of "lies" created to identify the level of sincerity of participants' answers. The EPI is offered in two versions, A and B, similar in content, which helps improve the accuracy of results when the test is retaken.
In 1969, Hans Eysenck and his wife Sibylle contributed with the EPQ (or PEN), a personality questionnaire that, in addition to the already mentioned EPI scales, includes a diagnosis of psychoticism. This term is associated with special states of mind that can cause non-standard mental reactions or even psychosis. The test is quite extensive, including 101 questions, and has been adopted as a classic method for determining temperament. Later, in 1985, its revised version, the EPQ-R, was introduced.
Today, the EPQ-R test enjoys considerable popularity, although many researchers have expressed the opinion that the results obtained from the psychoticism scale can be contradictory and do not have a reliable scientific basis.
The famous developer of the test
Hans Eysenck (Eysenck H. J.), a world-renowned scientist, psychologist and psychotherapist, was born in Berlin in 1916. He was later forced to leave Germany after disagreeing with the policies of Hitler's regime.
Eysenck focused his research on personality theory, intelligence research, social preferences, behaviorist genetics, and behavior therapy. He approached psychology as a natural science and opposed humanistic and psychodynamic approaches, criticizing them for their subjectivism.
One of his most significant achievements was the psychological test for extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism, developed with his wife Sibylla in 1968, which became widely known.
Why do you need to take the temperament test?
The importance of understanding one's own temperament and the temperament of others is at the heart of successfully interacting with people, understanding the reasons for their actions, and sometimes being able to predict their behavior. Temperament, being an innate characteristic, remains unchanged throughout life and is a unique combination of properties of the nervous system. Awareness of one's temperament facilitates professional choices, promotes a deeper understanding of the actions of others, and improves interpersonal relationships by also allowing for a fuller understanding of one's own needs.
Possibilities of the test
Eysenck's test offers a comprehensive assessment of the stability of your nervous system, helping to identify dominant personality traits - introversion or extraversion. It can also indicate the level of tendency to conflict, potential predisposition to violations of behavioral norms and antisociality. Moreover, the EPQ-R (PEN) can accurately identify the underlying temperament type.
Target audience of the test
Eysenck's temperament test is suitable for both men and women of different age categories. This test is recommended for high school students, so that they can better understand what profession to choose and improve their relationships with classmates.
Procedure for taking the test
Eysenck's EPQ (or PEN) includes 101 questions about personality traits, health, and life style, to which you should answer "yes" or "no". There is also an updated version of the EPQ-R that offers a short version of 48 questions. It is important to answer intuitively without lingering over each question, but keep in mind the importance of honesty in your answers.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended that you take the test in a calm environment, when you are at rest, without external distractions and have enough time.
Meaning of scales in Eysenck's test
Neuroticism
The "neuroticism" scale characterizes the individual through their emotional instability, tendency to anxiety and depressive states. These traits can manifest themselves both in everyday life and under conditions of stress.
High values on this scale do not necessarily indicate the presence of neuroses in a person, but emphasize the possibility of their development under the influence of prolonged stressful situations and depression. Individuals with elevated values of neuroticism are usually susceptible, impulsive, insecure, and emotionally unstable.
Psychoticism
The Psychoticism scale describes personality traits associated with out-of-the-box thinking, rich imagination, originality of thought, and some detachment from reality. It also includes egocentrism and a unique perception of the world. High scores on this scale may indicate a tendency towards conflict, antisocial behavior, and inappropriate emotional reactions.
Extraversion
Extraversion highlights personalities that are oriented towards the outside world and social interaction. Extraverts easily establish contacts, are prone to impulsive actions, are optimistic about the future, and are willing to take risks.
Introversion
Introversion reflects inward-looking, reserved people who prefer a limited social circle and avoid risky situations. Introverts tend to be deeply introspective and cautious in their decision-making, while showing restraint of their emotions and pessimism.
Classical types of temperament
Based on the described characteristics, there are four classic types of temperament: sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic and choleric, each of which has its own unique characteristics and ways of reacting to external events.
EPI methodology, developed to identify the type of temperament, is available to everyone and is characterized by ease of perception and interpretation of the results.
Choleric
Cholerics have a high degree of excitability and a low level of inhibition, which makes them active, impulsive and prone to frequent mood swings. They gesticulate vigorously and speak quickly, while having difficulty controlling their emotions.
Melancholic
Melancholics are extremely sensitive to external stimuli and have a low capacity for emotional self-control. They tend to be withdrawn, conservative and avoid change, distinguished by their deep emotional sensitivity.
Sanguine
Sanguines are characterized by poise, the ability to adapt quickly to change and control their emotions. They are active, sociable and cheerful, although they can sometimes seem frivolous.
Phlegmatic
Phlegmatics are known for their incomparable calmness and stability. They have a hard time adapting to new environments and tasks, while showing a high degree of restraint and resistance to stress.
Identify your temperament
Knowing your own temperament is key not only to self-discovery, but also to effective self-development. Awareness of your own type of temperament allows you to better manage your behavior, actively use your strengths and cope with weaknesses.
Knowledge of temperament facilitates communication, helps in the choice of hobbies, making this process more meaningful and enjoyable.
Register on our website and take Eysenck's test to determine your temperament, save and share the results with friends on social networks.
