Hobbies for Certain Personality Types

The Keirsey Temperament Theory was developed by an educational psychologist named David Keirsey. He identified four main personality temperaments that have their own traits, behaviors, preferences and tendencies. Identifying your temperament can be useful for determining what type of career would suit you and how you act in relationships. Each temperament may be inclined to a specific set of hobbies based on these personality traits as well.

Guardians

• Guardians are practical and hardworking individuals who take their responsibilities seriously. They sincerely enjoy working to make things run smoothly, and may be found volunteering in their spare time. This also feeds their desire to remain productive. Guardians love acquiring knowledge that can be applied in a practical way. They may pick up a hobby like carpentry if it can be used for home-improvement projects. If they have an artistic streak, they may choose a hobby such as photography because they would enjoy the technical aspects. Model building and crossword puzzles may also appeal to them.

Artisan

• Artisans are fun-loving and creative individuals who enjoy cultivating their talents and are likely to have a natural inclination for the arts. These individuals may enjoy hobbies within the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, sculpting or fashion design. It is also natural for them to get involved in the performing arts, and they may take up music, composition and theater as hobbies. For the less artistically inclined artisans, possible hobbies include cooking, debate or botany.

Idealist

• Idealists are focused on improvement within themselves and the world at large. They are on a search for deeper meaning, and when they find it themselves they are driven to express it. Idealists may enjoy reading and be drawn to psychology, mystery novels or social justice. Many may explore writing, designing, art, music or dance. Some idealists may be visionaries and healers and be attracted to hobbies such as yoga, massage or tarot-card reading.

Rational

• Rationals are logical problem-solvers who can be ingenious at times and have an appreciation for technology. Studying electronics and mechanics may be actual hobbies they do for fun, resulting in working on their own computers and cars. These individuals enjoy gaining theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as making small inventions and tinkering. They may love puzzles such as Sudoku or Tetris, simply because they enjoy the mental exercise.