Evaluation of mizaj (temperament) and its association with intellectual level in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

In the Unani system of medicine, Mizaj (temperament) is considered a fundamental determinant of physical, emotional, and intellectual characteristics, classifying individuals into four types—Damwi (sanguineous) , Safrawi (bilious), Balghami (phlegmatic), and Sawdawi (melancholic)  based on the dominance of humors (Akhlat). Although Mizaj (temperament) is widely used in Unani practice, its association with measurable cognitive performance in adolescents remains largely unexplored. This study seeks to examine the association between Mizaj (temperament) and intellectual level in adolescents, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 10–19 years, a period marked by rapid emotional and cognitive development.

A cross-sectional survey will be carried out among adolescents enrolled in different educational institutions in district Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, between March 2026  and  April 2026. Mizaj (temperament) will be assessed using a validated CCRUM-based Mizaj (temperament) questionnaire, generating both categorical classifications and axis scores (hot/cold, dry/moist). Intellect and Cognitive performance will be evaluated through Raven’s Progressive Matrices, along with demographic and lifestyle variables. The study seeks to integrate Unani medical theory with psychometric evidence, offering culturally relevant insights applicable to education, counselling, and preventive healthcare.

Objectives To determine the distribution of Mizaj (temperament) types among adolescents enrolled in different educational institutions in the Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam districts. To assess the association between Mizaj (both categorical and continuous axis scores) and intellect level.