Types of Temperament
 

Everyone has his or her own unique chemical balance, rather than
imbalance. At one time, it was thought that all behavior was learned. Since
the 1980s, much has been discovered about how chemicals released by
glands (hormones) and nerves (neurotransmitters) influence feelings and
behavior. Other substances (enzymes) regulate chemical reactions. The
major players that mold your temperament are:

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) inhibits neural activity. Alcohol and
  tranquilizers increase levels of GABA in the brain.

• Testosterone is the male hormone that is also found in women to
  lesser degrees. High levels of testosterone may be associated with
  increased aggression.

• Norepinephrine enables the nervous system to respond to incoming
  stimuli.

• MAO (monoamine oxidase) is an enzyme that regulates
  norepinephrine. Too little may result in a barrage of incoming stimuli,
  causing agitation and inattention. High levels reduce responsiveness
  to incoming stimuli, leading to depression.

• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and self-
  stimulation. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine have chemical
  structures similar to such drugs as LSD.

• Serotonin balances the action of dopamine and norepinephrine.

FOUR BASIC TEMPERAMENTS

1. Sensors or on-edge people may have low levels of nature’s
   tranquilizer, GABA, causing them to be very reactive to their
   surroundings but to back away from triggers due to a limited comfort
   zone. They can be sensitive and perceptive or anxious and fearful.
   Panic attacks, social phobias, and avoidant disorders can become
   problems.
   

2. Focusers or low-keyed people may have high levels of MAO and low
   levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. This causes them to
   underreact to external stimuli and turn inward to find interest through
   fantasy, pondering, reading or ruminating. They can have great
   powers of concentration and task orientation or brood and feel
   empty. Obsessions, compulsions, dependency, and depression can
   become problems.
   

3. Seekers or go-getters may have an abundance of nature’s pleasure
   pill, dopamine, and low MAO. This leads to underreactivity to threat
   and may cause them to seek excitement and even danger to feel
   alive. They can be friendly, high achievers, and courageous or
   restless and dissatisfied. Attention deficits, addictions, and cycles of
   elation and despair can be problems.
   

4. Dischargers or quick-triggered people may have low levels of
   serotonin and MAO and high levels of nature’s antagonist,
   testosterone, causing them to overreact to external stimuli. Because
   they are outgoing, they lash out at what bothers them. They can be
   passionate, sensuous, energetic, and lively or explosive and
   unpredictable. Personality disorders with poor insight and blaming
   others can be problems.

The chart below can help you identify your temperament. The temperament
with the most points may be your type. If the sum of your sensor plus
focuser points in the left column is high, you may be introverted. If the sum
of your discharger plus seeker points in the right column is high, you may
be extroverted. If the sum of sensor plus discharger points is high, you may
be over-reactive. If the sum of focuser plus seeker points is high, you may
be under-reactive. If your point total for all types is similar, you may be
evenly balanced or cycle in moods. It can help to have others rate you.

Reference
  
See Mastering Your Moods by Melvyn Kinder (Simon & Schuster, 1995) for
more on biochemistry and description of temperaments.


Identifying Your Temperament

Directions: Give yourself 1–4 points for each item that describes you.
Score items that list more than one quality according to how many traits
characterize you. For instance, if you both worry and expect the worst,
score that item 2 points. If you are a pessimist but don’t worry, give yourself
1 point.

Introverted   LIMITED   <— COMFORT ZONE —>   EXTENSIVE   Extroverted