The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-assessment tool designed to identify personality types, strengths, and preferences.
Developed by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs, it is based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types and is one of the most widely used psychological tools globally.
Development of the Myers-Briggs Test
Origins in Jung’s Theory
Inspired by Jung’s theory of personality, Myers and Briggs recognized its practical applications. During 1939-1945, they created an indicator to understand individual differences, aiding people in selecting suitable careers and leading fulfilling lives.
Initial Testing
Dear Lykkers! The first version was developed in the 1940s. Myers and Briggs tested it on friends and family, refining it over two decades to create a robust psychological instrument.
Overview of the MBTI
Identifying Personality Types
The MBTI categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on responses to a structured questionnaire. It provides insights into preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and potential career paths.
Purpose
The MBTI focuses on self-awareness rather than labeling or diagnosing dysfunction. It aims to foster understanding of personal tendencies and interactions.
Four Scales of the MBTI
Extraversion (E) – (Introversion-I): Explores interaction with the external world. Extraverts are action-oriented and social, while introverts are reflective and prefer meaningful interactions.
Sensing (S) – Intuition (N): Examines information-gathering tendencies. Sensing focuses on facts and experiences, while intuition emphasizes patterns and possibilities.
Thinking (T) – Feeling (F): Determines decision-making preferences. Thinking relies on logic and objectivity, whereas feeling considers emotions and human connections.
Judging (J) – Perceiving (P): Reflects approaches to the external world. Judging types prefer structure, while perceiving types are flexible and adaptable.
The 16 Personality Types
- ISTJ (The Inspector): Reserved, practical, and loyal.
- ISTP (The Crafter): Independent and hands-on learners.
- ISFJ (The Protector): Dedicated and caring.
- ISFP (The Artist): Flexible and creative.
- INFJ (The Advocate): Rare, analytical, and imaginative.
- INFP (The Mediator): Idealistic and value-driven.
- INTJ (The Architect): Logical, creative, and analytical.
- INTP (The Thinker): Introspective with a rich inner world.
- ESTP (The Persuader): Social and action-oriented.
- ESTJ (The Director): Organized and assertive.
- ESFP (The Performer): Spontaneous and outgoing.
- ESFJ (The Caregiver): Warm-hearted and empathetic.
- ENFP (The Champion): Energetic and innovative.
- ENFJ (The Giver): Generous and understanding.
- ENTP (The Debater): Inventive and idea-driven.
- ENTJ (The Commander): Confident and strategic planners.
How MBTI Differs from Other Personality Tools
Distinctive Features
Unlike other tests, MBTI has no right or wrong answers, focusing solely on individual traits without comparison to normative data. It does not evaluate mental health or predict success in careers.
Comparison with Other Instruments
Popular tools like the Enneagram, Big Five Personality Assessment, and DISC test differ in purpose and methodology. The MBTI emphasizes personal insight rather than diagnostics.
Reliability and Validity
Support and Criticism
The Myers & Briggs Foundation claims high reliability and validity, with a 90% accuracy rate. However, studies highlight inconsistent retest results and limited predictive capabilities for career success.
The MBTI Today
Approximately two million adults complete the MBTI annually, often through qualified practitioners. The official questionnaire includes 93 questions in North America and 88 in Europe, offering structured insights into personality traits.
