Fisher Temperament (neurochemical)

Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher proposed four broad temperaments — Explorer, Builder, Director, and Negotiator — each linked to a brain-chemistry system (dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen). Measured by her Temperament Inventory, the model emerged from large-scale online-dating data and is studied in relationship and attraction research.

A popular model linking temperament to brain chemistry; partly research-informed but not a settled scientific typology. (Helen E. Fisher, 2009 (Fisher Temperament Inventory; validated 2015))

Groups

• Explorer (dopamine) — Curious, spontaneous, energetic, and novelty-seeking.
• Builder (serotonin) — Cautious, loyal, orderly, and community-minded.
• Director (testosterone) — Analytical, decisive, direct, and competitive.
• Negotiator (estrogen) — Imaginative, empathetic, big-picture, and diplomatic.

References

• Fisher, H. E., Island, H. D., Rich, J., Marchalik, D., & Brown, L. L. (2015). Four broad temperament dimensions: description, convergent validation correlations, and comparison with the Big Five. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1098
• Brown, L. L., Acevedo, B., & Fisher, H. E. (2013). Neural correlates of four broad temperament dimensions: Testing predictions for a novel construct of personality. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e78734
• Fisher, H. E. (2009). Why Him? Why Her?: Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type. Henry Holt and Company

Related topics

• Temperament & Character Inventory (Cloninger)
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter
• The Four Temperaments (classical humours)
• Type A / Type B personality
• Temperament type (Thomas & Chess)
• Sensitivity type (Highly Sensitive Person)
• Sensation seeking

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