Temperament
and Stress
Adapted from Linda V. Berens, Understanding Yourself and Others®: An Introduction to Temperament-2.0 (Telos Publications, 2000) *Used with permission.

Temperament and Core-Need-Related Stress
Temperament-related stress is not the same as the everyday stress of overwork, overindulgence, and worries over money, relationships, and so on. It results from the core needs and values of the temperament pattern not being met. As with most stress, it is worse when it is unconscious. Knowledge of one’s own temperament pattern can help manage and even prevent such stress.

So how does this play out in everyday life?
Here are some examples.

An Artisan
An Artisan calls his friend periodically, when his job is oppressive, and talks about becoming an independent consultant and working with organizations. Shortly after, he finds a new position with his current employer where he can do something exciting and impactful.

A Guardian
A Guardian was looking for a job even though, financially, she did not need to work. When asked why, she said her membership needs were not being met by being home alone. She wanted a job that would give her a defined role and a sense of belonging.

A Rational
A Rational takes up new projects to feed his need for knowledge and competence, even when he is overbooked. He tolerates the “stress” of managing a complex and hectic schedule to reduce his temperament-related stress.

An Idealist
An Idealist quit her job and took a big cut in pay. Her former organization seemed to be ignoring the value of individuals and focusing only on organizations. Even though she agreed with her former employer in principle, their mission was not consistent with her unique identity. Since quitting, she reports having much less anxiety and stress.

These people all know about their temperament needs and thus have “permission” to seek ways of meeting them. They are lucky. For those who are not aware and for whom life has not been so kind, temperament-related stress can turn into severe dysfunction. But that is another story belonging to the realm of psychopathology and therapy.

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The Idealist CORE NEEDS Meaning and Significance Unique Identity STRESSORS Insincerity Betrayal Lack of Integrity WHEN STRESSED Disassociates Becomes Phony ANTIDOTES FOR STRESS Affirmation and Nurturing from Self and Others New “Quests"	The Guardian CORE NEEDS Membership or Belonging Responsibility or Duty STRESSORS Abandonment Insubordination Lack of Belonging WHEN STRESSED Complains Becomes “Sick, Tired, Sorry, Worried” ANTIDOTES FOR STRESS Inclusion in News and Activities, Appreciation New Membership
The Rational CORE NEEDS Mastery and Self-Control Knowledge and Competence STRESSORS Powerlessness Incompetence Lack of Knowledge WHEN STRESSED Obsesses Becomes Mindless ANTIDOTES FOR STRESS Reconfirmation of Competence and Knowledge A New Project	The Artisan CORE NEEDS Freedom to Act on Needs of the Moment Ability to Make an Impact STRESSORS Constraint Boredom Lack of Impact WHEN STRESSED Retaliates Becomes Reckless ANTIDOTES FOR STRESS Finding Options and New Ways to Have Impact New Activities

Adapted from Linda V. Berens, Understanding Yourself and Others®: An Introduction to Temperament-2.0 (Telos Publications, 2000) *Used with permission.