← Back to Virtues

Temperance

cardinal

Definition

"Moderation in all things; mastery over appetites and desires; balanced self-regulation"

Classification

Category

cardinal

Cardinal Virtue

Temperance

Type

cardinal

Clinical Applications

  • Substance use and behavioral addictions
  • Impulsive acting out
  • Loss of control around foods or behaviors
  • Pleasure-seeking driving dysfunction

CCMMP Integration

We are Created with capacity to enjoy pleasure while maintaining wise moderation. Fallen intemperance becomes enslaved to appetite—pleasure controls us. Grace restores us to freedom, enabling genuine enjoyment of legitimate pleasures within healthy bounds.

Virtue Overview

Category

cardinal

Cardinal Virtue

Temperance

Therapeutic Tags

stressresilienceself_esteem
View All Virtues