The four personality quadrants derived from the Eysencks' two-dimensional model are frequently compared to the four classical temperaments first described by the ancient Greeks: melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, and sanguine.

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The Eysencks' personality theory uses its two primary dimensions, extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability, to categorize individuals into a four-quadrant framework. This framework is visually represented by two axes—Unstable/Stable Emotions and Extroverted/Introverted Personality—which divide a circle into four sections corresponding to the Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, and Melancholic temperaments.

Eysencks' Four-Quadrant Personality Model

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Comparison of Eysencks' Model to the Four Temperaments

The Choleric quadrant in Eysenck's personality model is located at the intersection of the Extroverted Personality and Unstable Emotions (Neurotic) dimensions. It is characterized by traits such as being touchy, restless, aggressive, excitable, impulsive, and active.

Choleric Quadrant in Eysenck's Model

The Sanguine quadrant in Eysenck's framework is positioned at the intersection of the Extroverted Personality and Stable Emotions dimensions. This temperament is associated with characteristics such as being sociable, talkative, responsive, easygoing, lively, and carefree.

Sanguine Quadrant in Eysenck's Model

Within Eysenck's personality model, the Phlegmatic quadrant is defined by the combination of an Introverted Personality and Stable Emotions. The descriptive traits for this quadrant include being passive, thoughtful, peaceful, controlled, reliable, and calm.

Phlegmatic Quadrant in Eysenck's Model

The Melancholic quadrant in Eysenck's model represents the intersection of an Introverted Personality and Unstable Emotions (Neurotic). This temperament is described by traits such as being moody, anxious, rigid, pessimistic, unsociable, and quiet.

Melancholic Quadrant in Eysenck's Model

A personality theory suggests that individuals can be understood along two primary, independent dimensions: introversion-extroversion and emotional stability-instability. Using this two-dimensional framework, analyze the following individual's profile and determine which combination of traits best describes them.

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