The Melancholy Temperament
The Melancholy is commonly known as the “black temperament”. No other color best describes this temperament more accurately, for the Melancholy temperament is constantly tormented by dark or “black moods”. The Melancholy struggles with this more than any other temperament type.
It is important to understand that, as for all types, temperament cannot be accurately assessed just by observation; temperament analysis via the Arno Profile System (APS) is necessary in order to accurately identify a person’s temperament. is necessary to accurately identify a person’s temperament.
Melancholies are very family oriented individuals, and are closely bonded to those within the family unit. The pure Melancholy is an introvert and a loner. Even though they can be very exclusive and quiet with people in their families; the family relationship is of major importance with them. Melancholies need to learn to communicate their feelings; emotionally they are very protective and guarded. The way that a Melancholy demonstrates or says that they love someone is by being dependable and responsible not in physical terms such as hugging, touching and holding.
Melancholies are more task oriented as opposed to relationship-oriented. They simply relate better to jobs than to people. Because of their intellectual and analytical energies they can see the end results of a project before moving forward. Melancholies make good supervisors, as long as they are comfortable in those known areas of management. Melancholies are very creative people, but are prone to deep depression.
Melancholies tend to be perfectionists and set unreasonable standards and goals for themselves and the people around them. They are very private people, as well as very serious. They are self-motivated, and do not respond to the promise of reward nor the threat of punishment.
Melancholies are very loyal people: to their family and friends. If they make a promise the Melancholy will keep it. Melancholies have a tendency to be self-sacrificing to those close to them and mankind in general.
Strengths of The Melancholy
Inclusion — Mind
They tend to be introverted, loners, great thinkers, genius-prone, very artistic and creative. They are often found alone in thought. They are perfectionistic, slow-paced, have a great understanding of tasks and systems, a critical and challenging mind, and the ability to see both the pitfalls and the end results of a project undertaken.
Control — Will
They are very good at making decisions and taking on responsibilities in areas where competent. They have very good leadership abilities. They adhere to the rules and they need very little control over the lives and behavior of others. However, they will not tolerate others having (or attempting to have) control over them.
Affection — Emotion
They are very faithful, loyal friends and can be self-sacrificing. Their feelings run deep and tender (even though they lack the ability to express their feelings). They easily empathize with others and have the ability to make very deep commitments. They allow very few people close them emotionally. They would sacrifice nearly anything for someone they deeply love.
Weaknesses of The Melancholy
Inclusion — Mind
They can be extremely moody, depending on what’s on their mind. They can fall into dark thinking, depressions, and sometimes even suicidal ideations. They tend to analyze and reject people. They set standards neither they nor anyone else can meet. They evelop habits that are very hard to break. They suffer from low self-esteem and are pessimistic.
Control — Will
They tend to be rigid, inflexible, and uncompromising. They are very sensitive to failure (or what others might perceive as failure). They have a great fear of the unknown. They may be seen as rebellious when their autonomy feels threatened. They will procrastinate in areas where they feel they lack competence.
Affection — Emotion
They often painfully dissect the past. They have trouble letting go of past hurts and failures. They can be critical of others, to the point of becoming angry, cruel, or vengeful. They are very emotional. They don’t feel safe telling someone how they feel. They are sensitive to rejection from deep relationships. The loss of a deep relationship is devastating to them.
Melancholies when rising to their strengths, and once these strengths are submittted to God, the Melancholy is capable of great and wonderful things. When Melancholies sink to their weaknesses they become destructive to themselves and those close to them.
There is great comfort and reward when we submit ourselves to God (regardless of what temperament we possess) and learn to live out our strengths in temperament that He has given us. The Melancholy is very valuable in the body of Christ under His control. Read through the Melancholy’s strengths and carefully consider if the Melancholy would not be a blessing and asset to their family, to the Kingdom of God, the Church, and the community where they live. God help each of us to live in the strengths of our temperament, our in-born “nature”, God has given us.