The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is a psychological assessment tool used to compartmentalize the varieties of human personality into 16 different types. The test was developed by Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers. Although neither woman was a psychologist, Katherine Briggs did work as a school teacher at a time when it was commonly believed that too much education was harmful to a woman’s reproductive health.
Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.
– Carl Jung
The Myers Briggs test is based on the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. It uses a four factor model system featuring 4 slots or ‘functions’ arranged in order of importance; the Dominant function, Auxiliary function, tertiary function and inferior function, respectively. The first slot indicates attitude preference: extroversion (E)/introversion (I). The second slot indicates how we take in and perceive information: intuitive (N)/sensing (S). The third slot indicates how we process and judge information: thinking (T)/feeling (F). The fourth slot indicates how we apply action: perceiving (P)/ judging (J).
There are 8 different cognitive functions forming 16 different personality combinations. How the function stacks work together differs depending on the cognitive theory used. The most common model assigns an alternating sequence of extroversion and introversion across the function stack where if the dominant and tertiary are extroverted, then the auxiliary and inferior functions will be introverted.
Cognitive theory dictates how the functions are paired and ordered in the stack. IxxP types for example, while being perceivers, have a judging trait (thinking or Feeling which sit in the 3rd slot) as their dominant function. The dominant function would be either introverted thinking or introverted feeling which means that this function serves as the primary and strongest developed cognitive characteristic of that personality type. In the case of a IxxJ type, then the dominant function will be formed by a perceiving trait (sensing or intuition).
The ESFP personality is described as the “tactical Performer” by MBTI analyst David Keirsey. Spontaneous, playful, enthusiastic and highly expressive, the ESFP male or female is an extrovert who is full of vitality and passion for life. They prize freedom and seek to live life according to their terms and ...
In the MBTI, there is no right or wrong pairing when it comes to matchmaking. However, it stands to reason that some types will get along more easily than others. Type differences can create certain challenges that may possibly be remedied or mitigated by fostering better understanding and awareness of ...
Clever, inventive, novelty seeking and persuasive, the ENTP is an extrovert who engages with the world in a creative, intellectually curious and adaptable manner. Restless and prone to boredom, ENTPs crave variety and are always scanning for possibilities, new ideas and mentally stimulating activities to preoccupy themselves with. ENTPs have ...
The INFJ is one of 16 Myers Briggs personality types. They are described as the “advocate” and “diplomatic counselor”. These terms hint at the humane and supportive nature of this type. At roughly 1% of the population, INFJs are also the least common MBTI type. INFJs are introverts, but because ...
The ISFP is one of the 16 MBTI personality types and form part of the “Artisan” temperament group along with the ESFP, ESTP and ISTP. Sensitive, observant and creative, the ISFP person is an introvert who displays an openness to new experiences and adventures. They have been dubbed as the ...
Warm, cheerful, conscientious and social, the ESFJ is an extravert who seeks to help others and be a valuable contributor. Estimated at around 10% of the population, ESFJs are relatively common but more so among women than men. They promote harmony, inclusion and cooperation between people. For them, it is ...
The ISTJ personality type has been dubbed as the “logistical Inspector” and “logistician”. Estimated at around 10% of the population, they are among the more common personality types in the MBTI —and thankfully so. People of this type are the salt of the earth. Duty-bound and earnest, these individuals are ...
Are you bossy or toady? Does telling people what to do come naturally to you or is it something you avoid? Here is a look at how bossy you are likely to be based on MBTI type. ENFJ In a somewhat patronizing way, ENFJs tend to feel they understand what ...
No matter who you are, there’s always going to be someone who despises your existence. Either out of jealousy, negative perceptions, misconceptions or fundamental differences, some people will just not be a fan of what you’ve got going on. When it comes to the 16 MBTI personalities, there are some ...
The shadow is a concept that Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung developed to explain the hidden parts of our personality that we are less aware of. Each of the 16 personality types represent what would be considered the conscious ego. Over the course of its development, the conscious ego selects what ...
The MBTI is largely based on the work of Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, and each of the 16 Myers briggs personality types represent what he referred to as the "conscious ego". Jung believed that over the course of each person's personality development, the conscious ego will naturally determine what it ...
Loyal, caring, orderly and dependable, the ISFJ personality is a modest introvert with a nurturing spirit. Comprising roughly 8% of the general population, ISFJs are one of the more common MBTI types. Despite their introverted nature, ISFJs possess social intelligence that allows them to get along well with others. They ...
The ENTJ is a personality regarded as a natural leader. Strong-willed, decisive, goal-oriented and hard-working, the ENTJ is a force to be reckoned with, capable of achieving a great deal with their life. At roughly 2% of the general population, ENTJ is among the least prevalent personality types and is ...
Warm, altruistic, magnetic, persuasive and talkative, the ENFJ personality is an extrovert who oozes charisma and social savvy from their pores. With an estimated population of around 2 to 3%, the ENFJ is also one of the rarer mbti types. Despite their relatively small numbers however, ENFJs have the capacity ...
ENFPs are described as warmly enthusiastic, imaginative and insightful. They open themselves to possibilities and are strongly driven to create a unique identity while pursuing a life that is meaningful and creatively fulfilling. However, as with the other 16 MBTI types, there is a shadow side to the ENFP ...
