The Melancholy Temperament
Understanding the Melancholy Temperament
The Melancholy temperament, often referred to as the “black temperament,” is characterized by a tendency towards dark or “black moods.” This temperament struggles more with these moods than any other type.
Accurate temperament analysis requires the Arno Profile System (APS) to identify a person’s true temperament.
Characteristics of Melancholies
Family Orientation
Melancholies are deeply family-oriented and closely bonded to their family members. Although they may be introverted and reserved, family relationships are of utmost importance. They express love through dependability and responsibility rather than physical affection.
Task Orientation
Melancholies are more task-oriented than relationship-oriented. They excel in intellectual and analytical tasks, often visualizing the end result before starting a project. They make excellent supervisors in familiar management areas and are highly creative, though prone to deep depression.
Perfectionism
Melancholies tend to be perfectionists, setting high standards for themselves and others. They are private, serious, self-motivated individuals who do not respond to rewards or threats of punishment.
Loyalty
Melancholies are extremely loyal to family and friends. They keep their promises and often self-sacrifice for those they care about.
Strengths of the Melancholy
Inclusion (Mind)
- Introverted and thoughtful
- Genius-prone, artistic, and creative
- Perfectionistic and slow-paced
- Great understanding of tasks and systems
- Critical and challenging mind
- Ability to see pitfalls and end results of projects
Control (Will)
- Good decision-makers in areas of competence
- Strong leadership abilities
- Adhere to rules and require little control over others
- Resist external control
Affection (Emotion)
- Faithful and loyal friends
- Deep, tender feelings
- Empathetic and capable of deep commitments
- Self-sacrificing for loved ones
Weaknesses of the Melancholy
Inclusion (Mind)
- Prone to extreme moodiness
- Dark thinking and depression
- Tend to analyze and reject people
- Set unattainable standards
- Develop hard-to-break habits
- Suffer from low self-esteem and pessimism
Control (Will)
- Rigid, inflexible, and uncompromising
- Sensitive to perceived failure
- Fear of the unknown
- Seen as rebellious when autonomy is threatened
- Procrastinate in areas of perceived incompetence
Affection (Emotion)
- Painfully dissect the past
- Trouble letting go of past hurts and failures
- Critical, sometimes to the point of cruelty or vengeance
- Highly emotional but reluctant to express feelings
- Sensitive to rejection in deep relationships
- Devastated by the loss of deep relationships
Rising to Strengths and Sinking to Weaknesses
When Melancholies rise to their strengths and submit them to God, they can achieve great and wonderful things. Conversely, sinking to their weaknesses can be destructive to themselves and those close to them.
Living Out Melancholy Strengths
Submitting to God and living out the strengths of our temperament can bring great comfort and reward. The Melancholy temperament is invaluable in the body of Christ when under His control. Consider the strengths of the Melancholy and how they can be a blessing to their family, the Kingdom of God, the Church, and the community. May God help each of us live in the strengths of our God-given temperament.