DISC Behaviour Profiling
What is DISC?
Elaine Godley
Last Update a month ago
The first known descriptions of personality were identified by Hippocrates in around 400BC.
Hippocrates was a doctor and noticed that some people were often ill with the same symptoms, whereas others were seldom poorly.
He named The Four Humours as Sanguine, Choleric, Phlegmetic and Melancholic.

The current DISC model of behavioural profiling originated from the work of psychologist William Moulton Marston, who first proposed his theories in his 1928 book "Emotions of Normal People"[1][2][3].
Marston theorised that people's behavioural expressions of emotions could be categorized into four primary types based on their perceptions of self in relation to their environment: Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Submission (S), and Compliance (C)[3].
Over the following decades, the DISC model was adapted into a personality assessment tool used for various applications such as hiring, team building, and leadership development[2]. Key milestones in its evolution include:
- In the 1950s, Walter V. Clarke developed the Activity Vector Analysis (AVA) test using Marston's DISC theory[4]
- In the 1970s, John Geier created the Personal Profile System (PPS) based on Clarke's work, which became the first commercially published DISC assessment[3][4]
- In the 2000s, researchers at Inscape Publishing (now Wiley) developed the circumplex representation of DISC, leading to the creation of the Everything DiSC series of reports[3]
The DISCPlus model designed by Elaine Godley builds upon the foundation of the DISC theory however it provides an enhanced experience especially in relation to health and wellbeing and several other ways:
1. **Feedback is always provided for a DISCPLus feedback to ensure optimisation for an individual in terms of self-understanding, relationships, career, in business and health.
2. **Detailed trait descriptions**: DISCPlus offers more detailed and nuanced descriptions of each trait, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of their personality and how it influences their behaviour[5].
3. **Interactive assessment**: The DISCPlus assessment is designed to be interactive, engaging participants in a series of questions and scenarios to determine their personality profile[5].
4. **Personalised feedback**: Based on the assessment results, DISCPlus provides personalised feedback and recommendations tailored to each individual's unique personality traits and preferences[5] within the context of their life and circumstances via a 1:1 or group video call[6]
5. **Practical applications**: DISCPlus emphasises the practical application of the assessment results, offering guidance on how individuals can leverage their strengths and manage their limitations in various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth[5].
In summary, while the DISCPlus model shares the foundational principles of the DISC theory, it offers an enhanced and more comprehensive approach to behavioural profiling, providing individuals with a deeper understanding of their personality and practical strategies for personal and professional development and especially towards health and wellbeing.
A DISCPlus behaviour profile is provided free of charge as a benefit for members of The Perfect Health HUB and Maltix Connect Premium Members
To book a call with me to explore how a DISCPlus assessment would help you to become a better version of yourself please CLICK HERE
Citations:
[1] https://disclearningsolutions.com/evolution-of-disc/
[2] https://www.discusonline.com/en-us/disc/history-of-disc.php
[4] https://onlinediscprofile.com/what-is-disc/disc-history/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISC_assessment
[6] https://theperfecthealthhub.tawk.help/article/discplus-behaviour-profile-assessment
[7] https://theperfecthealthhub.tawk.help/article/introduction-to-the-perfect-health-hub

