When we feel strong intrinsic attraction to someone, we often say we have “chemistry.” However, what is this “chemistry” and which “chemistries” are attracted to one another? A group of anthropologists says that people can be divided into four personality types, each of which is associated with the secretion of specific biochemicals and hormones.
These types are:
- The “explorers”. They are people who love risk and innovation, are impulsive, optimistic, creative and energetic. This type is associated with dopamine secreted in the brain.
- The “builders”. These people are cautious, prudent, calm, sociable, persistent and loyal. This type is associated with the secretion of serotonin in the brain.
- The “directors”. They are characterized by openness, determination, competitiveness, logical thinking, intolerance and ambition. This type is associated with testosterone.
- The “negotiators”. They are people who sympathize others, altruistic and have analytical thinking. Associated with estrogens.
In most people different features of the four types coexist, but one is the primary and the rest are secondary. Note here that although testosterone is considered the male sex hormone and estrogen ithe female, both these hormones are produced by men and women, but at different levels.
But who is attracted to whom? According to data from 40,000 people, the “explorer” is attracted by the “explorers” and the “builders” by the “builders”, soth ese two personality types are attracted to the same people. Instead, the “directors” are attracted to “negotiators” and vice versa, so that these personality types are attracted to their opposites.
These data indicate that the biological predisposition pushes us towards certain types of personalities. However, whether one eventually chooses to stay with these personality types is associated with many other factors. For example, an “explorer” may feel attracted to a personality type as his own, but eventually choose to have children with someone who is faithful and focused on his family, such as a “builder”.
Fisher H (2012) «WE HAVE CHEMISTRY!” The Role of Four Primary Temperament Dimensions in Mate Choice and Partner Compatibility. The Psychotherapist 52: 8-9.
