Human Temperament
Some people are "more emotional" than others. Some l'eople are patient and some fly off the handle, and some of us may de one or the other at varying times. But what do we do most of the time? This is one of the questions that led to the de'lJ~lopment of the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Scale. Let us take a look at this scale in terms of its nine dimensions. You might lik~ to answer the sample questions below as they pertain to you or to someone else. Of course, the survey scale contains many items on each of the nine dimensions. Here we will indicate only a few to show that temperament is an important part of personality.
- Do you tend to "let go" when you get frustrated? This dimension is called general activity and people range along a scale from "slow" to "energetic." People scoring high have a great deal of energy to release. They show their hostility in aggressive language or action, or in other obvious ways.
- Do you make an attempt to "hold yourself in check"? This is the dimension called re.straint measured on a scale of "impulsive" to "restrained." A low score suggests lack of control, related to impulsive behavior and split-second decisions based on emotion. A very high restraint score !!lay mean that you are overcontrolled and . lacking in spontaneity with others.
- Do you feel you are self,selfficient? This is measured on the scale of ascendance. A low score .indicates timidity; a high !;core, confidence in personal contacts.
- Do you like to interact with others or prefer to go it alone most of the time? This type of question is measured on the scale of sociability. The indicator range along a scale from "sociable" to "solitary." A high score means a liking for personal contact. A low score indicates a desire to work alone and to keep one's feelings inside most of the time.
- How easily do you get "shook up"? This is measured on the scale of emotional stability and ranges from "easily upset" to "emotionally stable." A healthy mental attitude is indicated by a high score, indicating that you are relatively free from neurotic tendencies. A low score suggests emotional instability and moodiness.
- How sensitive are you to the feelings of others? This dimension called objectivity ranges from "o\iersensitivity" to "objectivity." A low score indicates the person who is touchy and easily offended. Extremely high score3 !ray indicate lack of sensitivity to the feelings of others.
- Are you a friendly person? On the 'scale of friendliness a high score may indicate '1 strong wish to please and a tow score a tendency to react defensively or agressively toward others.
- Do you usually react without thinking? On the scale of thoughtfulness a low score indicates that you are not a good problem solver. A high score indicates that you may be good at analytical thinking and are thoughtful of others.
- Are you typically a cynical person? A range from "critical" to "trusting" gets at the range of personal relations. A high score indicates a tolerance of others. A low score suggests a cynical attitude.
