Discovering Your Personality Types With Myers Briggs

Online personality tests can be a valuable and accessible tool for self-discovery. One of the most popular quizzes in this category is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI. 

It's generally known as a personality assessment tool based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological type. Many might use it to learn more about how their personality breaks down into predetermined types while identifying potential strengths and weaknesses. 

We want to note: While personality quizzes can be fun and insightful, they should not be viewed as the sole indicator of a person's thoughts, motivations, or behaviors. Personality quizzes can help discover aspects of who someone is, but such a thing does not account for overall life experience, individuality, or personal relationships. 

Read on to learn more about the MBTI and self-discovery process.   

What is Myers Briggs?

The MBTI is generally known as a personality assessment named after its creators, Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. The two women are believed to have created the estimate based on Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung's theories. 

The MBTI suggests that people fall into 16 different personality types based on eight identifiers:

• Extraversion vs. Introversion
• Sensing vs. Intuition
• Thinking vs. Feeling
• Judging vs. Perceiving

A person's "type" is generally composed of four letters representing critical portions of a person's personality, such as an "INFJ" or "ENFP." 

MBTI results can help individuals understand their personalities more, potentially offering insight into how they might interact with the world. 

Extraversion vs. introversion

Extraversion is generally represented by the indicator "E," and introversion is usually represented by "I." These two variables are considered by many to be opposing personality traits that indicate a person's social energy levels. For example, Extraverts may tend toward being social, outgoing, and energized by lots of people, while Introverts may prefer small groups of close friends. Possible MBTI statements that might apply to an extrovert could include the following:

• I am seen as "outgoing" and consider myself a "people person."
• I feel comfortable in groups
• I have a large group of friends and know a lot of people

Introverts might be more reserved and can often be described as reflective. They may also gravitate toward quieter and more solitary activities. MBTI statements that might apply to an introvert could include the following:

• I am seen as "reserved."
• I feel comfortable being alone and enjoy solitary activities
• I prefer to know just a few people very well

Sensing vs. intuition

Sensing is generally represented by indicator "S," while intuition can be represented by indicator "N." This letter falls second in the Myers-Briggs type and generally describes how an individual processes information. 

For example: Sensing individuals may create their worldview based on tangible and concrete elements around them. Those in the "sensing" portion of the spectrum may be described as realistic with a solid focus on detail. Facts and data might play a significant role in their decision-making.  

Statements that might apply to someone who is sensing-prominent could include:

• I solve problems by working through facts until I understand them.
• I am pragmatic.
• I start with points and then form a big picture.
  
  

Individuals who align with the "intuition" designation might be more interested in the theoretical realm. Abstract ideas, imagination, innovation, and thinking outside the box are all hallmarks of this personality type. Statements that might apply to an intuitive could include:

• I solve problems by leaping between different ideas and possibilities
• I am interested in doing things that divert from tradition
• I like to start with the big picture, then find out the facts

Thinking vs. feeling

Thinking is represented by indicator "T" and Feeling by "F” and constitute the third letter in an MBTI type. Whereas how one processes information is described by Sensing and Intuition, Thinking and Feeling describe how individuals generally make decisions based on that information. For example, Thinking individuals might make decisions based on logic, attempting to be objective in their reasoning. Thinking individuals tend to have a strong sense of fairness and justice and may relate to these statements:

• I look for logical explanations in most situations.
• I make decisions with my head and try to be as fair as possible.
• I believe being honest should be prioritized over being tactful.

Individuals aligning with the "feeling" designation might be more likely to decide based on their emotions or personal value systems. People who score high in this section may be described as "sensitive" or concerned with the feelings of those around them. A feeling individual might often consider multiple perspectives outside their own before deciding, and might relate to these statements:

• I look for what is important to others and express concern for them.
• I make decisions with my heart and try to be compassionate when possible.
• Others sometimes think I am too idealistic or sensitive.

Judging vs. perceiving

Judging can be represented by the designator "J," and perceiving might be represented by indicator "P" as the last letter in the MBTI type. Judging individuals may be very structured and can thrive with a routine. They may also consider themselves reliable and responsible, while others think them stiff. 

Judging individuals might relate to these statements:

• I like clear decisions.
• I am task oriented.
• I like to-do lists.

Perceiving individuals, conversely, might be more likely to be flexible or "go with the flow" types. They may enjoy spontaneous decisions, exploring new options, and can be creative. Perceiving individuals may relate to these statements: 

• I like to respond to plans as they arise.
• I like simple projects and am unbothered by keeping them open-ended.
• I work in bursts of energy.

Diving deeper into personality

It is important to note that the MBTI should be used as a tool and is not a single approach to personality types. None of the dichotomies are absolute, and an individual's style may change over time. Most people may find that they exist on a spectrum between these descriptors and might find speaking to professional help if they're interested in learning more.

If you’re interested in learning more about someone else’s personality, you might try asking them questions about themselves. Conversely, you can help them get to know you better by answering those questions as well.

Here are some ideas of “how well do you know me” questions to help get those conversations started:

Basic questions

• What’s your favorite color?
• What's your favorite season?
• How many siblings do you have?
• Are you a cat person or a dog person?
• What's your all-time favorite smell?
• Do you prefer cities or beaches?
• What's your biggest pet peeve?

Food

• What's your favorite food?
• What's your favorite restaurant?
• What's your favorite drink?
• What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
• What’s your favorite flavor of Jell-O?
• Do you prefer spicy food?
• Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?

Entertainment

• What's your favorite movie?
• What's your favorite TV show?
• What's your favorite song?
• What's your favorite video game?
• What's your favorite board game?
• What's your favorite sport?
• Who is your favorite sports team?

Past

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What was your favorite toy as a child?
• What's your favorite childhood memory?
• What was your most embarrassing moment?
• Who was your best friend in elementary school?
• Where did you have your first kiss?
• Who was your favorite teacher?

Future

• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• What's your dream job?
• What's your dream car?
• How many kids do you want, if any?
• How many pets do you want, if any?
• Where would you want to retire?

How can online therapy help those who wish to know themselves better? 

It can be valuable for people who want to know themselves better. Learning more about your personality can be an enlightening experience and lead to more questions. This specific type of therapy can be potentially more accessible than in-person therapeutic intervention, especially if the person is highly introverted or uncomfortable opening up around others. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Online therapy has gained traction over recent years, likely prompting the onslaught of research requests and clinical studies on its efficacy. 

One study conducted at The Family Institute at Northwestern University found that converting to teletherapy "...can be an effective way to receive quality care when learning more about personality and motivations.”