The History of DISC

The Philosophical Roots of DISC

The principles of DISC date back to the time of the ancient Greeks. The idea of categorizing human behavior into different types was first introduced by the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC). He proposed that human behaviors and temperaments could be attributed to four so-called "humors" or bodily fluids: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. These four types later became known as sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.

Although Hippocrates' theory was biologically inaccurate, it was the first attempt to systematically describe human behavioral differences. This concept of categorization and typing laid the foundation for later psychological models, including DISC.

The Contribution of William Moulton Marston

The DISC model as we know it today is based on the work of William Moulton Marston (1893-1947). Marston was an American psychologist, lawyer, and inventor, and in 1928, he published the groundbreaking book “Emotions of Normal People”. In it, he introduced the DISC model, linking human behavior to four primary emotions and behavioral styles: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C).

Marston was unique for his time because, unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not focus on psychopathology but on the behavior of normal, healthy individuals. His goal was to provide insight into how people adapt to their environment and how emotions influence their behavior. This made DISC accessible and applicable to everyday life.

The Practical Development of DISC

In the 1950s, Walter Clarke, an American psychologist, translated Marston's work into a behavioral assessment. Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, the DISC assessment was further refined, including the introduction of the Everything DiSC series by Wiley. These assessments combine Marston’s theory with modern psychometric methods, resulting in a reliable and validated instrument used worldwide.

DISC in the 21st Century

Over the past decades, DISC has evolved into a versatile and practical tool. It is applied in leadership training, team development, recruitment and selection, and personal development. Thanks to digital technology, DISC is now more accessible than ever, with online assessments and interactive reports.

Why is DISC Still Relevant?

DISC provides a simple yet powerful framework for understanding and improving behavior. The model emphasizes that everyone has a unique combination of styles and that flexibility is essential. Modern DISC assessments, such as Everything DiSC, remain relevant in a rapidly changing labor market.

The Future of DISC

• Integration with technology: Personalization and real-time feedback make assessments more effective.
• Focus on diversity and inclusion: DISC helps embrace differences and fosters an inclusive culture.
• Mental health: DISC can contribute to improving mental health in the workplace.
• Globalization: DISC provides insights into behavioral differences between cultures.

Conclusion

From its origins in Hippocrates' philosophy to its innovative applications today, DISC is a timeless model that helps people better understand themselves and others. At Profiles International The Netherlands, we believe in the power of DISC. Discover how DISC can help you and your team grow.

Contact us and discover the possibilities.