Fundamental Concepts John T. Cocoris, Th.M., Psy.D.

 

1. Everyone has traits of all four temperaments.

2. Every one is a combination of two temperaments, one primary and one secondary.

3. Each temperament has natural strengths and weaknesses.

4. Strengths and weaknesses represent both temperaments.

5. Strengths and weaknesses vary in degrees of intensity.

6. Traits can be developed because everything is a choice:

 

    • Choose to develop your natural strengths.
    • Choose to control your natural weaknesses.

7. Temperament is developed according to a person’s response to the variables in their environment such as:

 

Early Home Environment
We need consistent love, discipline, and praise. We do not need to be
compared, condemned, or criticized - which often has an adverse effect
on the development of a healthy self-image.

Peers
Those we associate with have strong influence upon the development
of our beliefs, and value system.

Where You Were Reared
The geographical location in the USA or foreign country where you
were reared has great influence on what you think is right, good
and normal.

When You Were Reared
Each decade seems to have a unique set of issues that exert strong influence
upon individual development. These issues help form our beliefs and values.

Education
It is not just the amount of education you obtain, but what schools you attend
that is important. Educational institutions differ widely in beliefs and values.

Groups
In general, beliefs and values are developed from association with schools,
churches, clubs, etc.

Gender
Males and females are motivated, in part, by different needs. These
motivations cause us to respond differently to our environment.

Temperament influences everything you do, including your will, purpose and mode of achieving. Knowing about your temperament blend will raise your awareness of what you are doing, the impact your behavior has on others and how others perceive you. Once you understand these things, you must decide to control your strengths and weakness, or be controlled by them.