Understanding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Tests is a self-report test identifying personality type and psychological preferences. It suggests four cognitive functions shaping personality: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, judging vs. perceiving. MBTI, or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is a personality assessment tool rooted in Carl Jung’s theories. It classifies individuals into 16 personality types, revealing preferences in four dimensions: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, judging/perceiving.
The History of Myers-Briggs Test
Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers formulated the MBTI theory based on Carl Jung’s 1921 book, “Psychological Types.” Briggs initiated her exploration of personality in 1917, identifying four temperaments: meditative, spontaneous, executive, and social. In 1923, the English translation of Jung’s “Psychological Types” unveiled both similarities and differences in their theories. Despite lacking formal psychology education, Myers learned the intricacies of test construction, scoring, and validation from Edward N. Hay.
The Impact of World War II
The tumultuous era of World War II significantly shaped the trajectory of the MBTI project. Myers believed that improved mutual understanding could foster cooperation and reduce conflicts in the post-war world. With this vision in mind, Myers embarked on a mission to provide people with access to their psychological type. This endeavour gave birth to the concept of a type indicator, to which she dedicated her life. Over the next two decades, Myers meticulously crafted questions and validated both the instrument and the theory. Finally, in 1962, the MBTI instrument saw its first publication.
Carl Gustav Jung biographic note
Carl Gustav Jung, born in Kesswil, Switzerland, on July 26, 1875, and passing away in Küsnacht on June 6, 1961, was a Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist. He founded analytical psychology, partly in response to Sigmund Freud‘s psychoanalysis. Jung introduced and elaborated on several key concepts in psychology, including extraversion and introversion, archetypes, and the collective unconscious. His work has left a profound mark on psychiatry and has significantly influenced the study of religion, literature, and related fields.
Early Life and Career
Jung was born into a family deeply rooted in academia, with a philologist and pastor as his father. Despite a lonely childhood, he cultivated a rich imagination. He observed and pondered the behaviour of his parents and teachers from a young age, attempting to resolve various issues. One prominent concern was his father’s waning faith in religion, which prompted Jung’s efforts to convey his own spiritual experiences. Despite his father’s tolerance, they struggled to comprehend each other.
With a lineage of clergymen in the family, Jung appeared destined for the ministry. However, his burgeoning interest in philosophy during his teens and his childhood disappointments led him to deviate from this path. Instead, he pursued medicine and psychiatry.
Jung studied at the universities of Basel (1895–1900) and Zürich, where he earned his medical degree in 1902. His career took a fortunate turn when he joined the staff of the Burghölzli Asylum at the University of Zürich in 1900, led by Eugen Bleuler. Under Bleuler’s guidance, Jung pioneered the use of association tests. He delved into the study of patients’ puzzling and irrational reactions to stimulus words. These responses, he found, were rooted in emotionally charged clusters of associations that the individuals kept from their consciousness due to their disagreeable, often morally sensitive, and frequently sexual nature. He coined the term “complex” to describe these conditions.
Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality
Analytical psychologist Carl Jung is renowned for his personality theory. He posits that personality is both inherited and part of the collective unconscious, comprising conscious and unconscious elements.
Jung’s theory introduces archetypes, universal patterns influencing our focus and interactions. These archetypes categorize individuals into various personality patterns.
Psychological types, as per Jung, hinge on factors like attitude and psychological functions. There are four fundamental psychological dimensions in Jung’s theory:
- Extraversion vs. introversion
- Sensation vs. intuition
- Thinking vs. feeling
- Judging vs. perceiving
Jung’s theory laid the groundwork for the development of the widely recognized Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test.
How the Test Works
The Myers-Briggs test uses a questionnaire to determine whether a candidate is more introverted or extroverted, among other traits. The MBTI assigns a four-letter code by identifying the side of each of the four scales that aligns best with your preferences. At the end of the test, the evaluator learns which of the 16 personality types best describes the individual.
For instance, someone who tests as “ENTJ”—a combination of Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging—is considered a natural leader. This type of person is decisive, adept at identifying inefficiencies, and skilled at implementing solutions. Apple founder Steve Jobs is said to have been an ENTJ.
The four-letter personality type result is a hallmark of the Myers-Briggs test. These letters represent four categories, each with two opposing traits:
- Introvert (I) vs. Extrovert (E): Distinguishes between individuals who are reserved, sensitive, and independent versus those who are outgoing, sociable, and team-oriented.
- Intuition (N) vs. Sensing (S): Determines whether a person relies more on intuition and gut feelings or prefers concrete facts and data for decision-making.
- Feeling (F) vs. Thinking (T): Examines whether a person makes decisions based on emotions and empathy or logic and rationality.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Evaluates strategic thinking—whether someone is decisive and structured or flexible and prone to changing their mind.
The 16 Personality Types
Based on responses, the test assigns one of 16 personality types. Each type reflects unique traits and characteristics.
- Idealists:
- ENFJ: Charming, inspiring, and motivating.
- INFJ: Quiet, idealistic, and focused.
- INFP: Kind, helpful, sensitive, and selfless.
- ENFP: Confident, enthusiastic, and creative.
- Creative Personalities:
- ESTP: Smart, energetic, and adventurous.
- ISTP: Practical, thoughtful, and straightforward.
- ESFP: Spontaneous, energetic, and enthusiastic.
- ISFP: Warm, empathetic, and adaptable.
- Rational Thinkers:
- ENTJ: Organized, efficient, and visionary.
- INTJ: Strategic, perfectionist, and insightful.
- ENTP: Bold, innovative, and intellectually curious.
- INTP: Independent, curious, and excellent problem-solvers.
- Guardians:
- ESTJ: Realistic, decisive, and structured.
- ISTJ: Reliable, fact-oriented, and ambitious.
- ESFJ: Caring, supportive, and well-liked.
- ISFJ: Dedicated, warm, and humble.
The Myers-Briggs test remains a popular tool for understanding personality traits and aligning them with roles or company cultures, offering insight into what makes individuals thrive in different environments.
Why Employ the Myers-Briggs Personality Test?
Fortune 500 companies and businesses worldwide embrace MBTI. They employ it for team building, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Additionally, the MBTI aids in assessing compatibility, whether in romantic relationships or friendships.
Assessment Sessions
At the Clinic for Health and Medical Centre in Dubai, we offer Myers-Briggs Test in three sessions:
- The Intake Session: Duration 90 minutes
- The Assessment Session: Duration 60 minutes
- The Feedback/Recommendation Session: Duration 60 minutes
The MBTI Test contributes to achieving personal and professional well-being, providing profound self-awareness insights. For further details about the tests, please contact us.
C.G. Jung. Psychological Types. Princeton University Press, 1971. pp. 136–147.