What Is The Myers-Briggs Personality Test?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI, can provide insight into how people perceive the world and make decisions. The MBTI generally focuses on four dichotomies: introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. Combinations of these dichotomies can result in 16 different personality types. Knowing your MBTI type can give you a better sense of self-awareness, improve communication with others, and lead to more meaningful relationships. For further insight into your personality, it can be helpful to speak with a licensed therapist in person or online.
The history and development of the Myers-Briggs type indicator
The roots of the MBTI can be traced back to Carl Jung's psychological theories. Jung proposed several personality-related concepts, including that of the introvert vs. the extravert and thinking vs. feeling. Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, were fascinated with Jung's theories and began developing the MBTI based on them during World War II.
Isabel and Katharine were passionate about understanding human behavior and wanted to create a framework to help individuals better understand themselves and those around them. After years of research and development, they released the first version of the MBTI in 1944.
Isabel Briggs Myers is believed to have been particularly instrumental in refining the MBTI. She conducted extensive research and testing to ensure the assessment was accurate and reliable. Today, the MBTI is often viewed as one of the world's most widely used personality assessments.
MBTI applications
Individuals and organizations can use the MBTI for various purposes. Businesses often use it for team-building and leadership development, while individuals frequently use it to better understand themselves and their interactions with others. The assessment can also be commonly used in counseling and therapy settings. Educational institutions may use the MBTI to help students identify career paths suited to their personality types.
With so many applications, it can be easy to see why the MBTI often has such a powerful impact on individuals and organizations alike. Understanding your personality type can open up possibilities as you learn more about yourself and how you engage with the world around you.
Criticism of MBTI
Some potential criticism and controversy surrounding the MBTI can include the lack of scientific evidence to back up its claims, as well as the potential for misuse and misunderstanding. However, when used correctly, the MBTI can be a powerful individual growth and development tool. From Carl Jung's theories to the efforts of Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, the MBTI has largely evolved and expanded over the years to become an often-trusted tool in studying human behavior.
The four dichotomies of MBTI
The MBTI typically comprises four dichotomies related to personality traits, each with two opposing choices. Understanding these dichotomies can help individuals better understand the differences between their personality types and those of others.
Extraversion (E) vs. introversion (I)
Extraversion and introversion may be the two most well-known and widely used dichotomies. Extraverts are usually outgoing and social, while introverts tend to be more reserved and prefer alone time. Extraverts tend to get their energy from interacting with people and activities, while introverts mainly get their energy from spending time alone.
Individuals who prefer extraversion typically enjoy group activities, love to talk, and can be quite comfortable in social settings. On the other hand, introverts may prefer quieter, more inwardly focused activities and generally need to recharge their batteries by spending time alone.
Sensing (S) vs. intuition (N)
This dichotomy generally refers to the way an individual gathers and processes information. Sensing types tend to be more practical, preferring concrete, tangible information they can see, hear, and touch. Intuitive types tend to be more abstract and imaginative, seeking patterns, relationships, and possibilities.
Sensors usually love details and facts and are often more interested in the present moment. They can be practical, detail-oriented, and prefer to work with concrete information. Intuitives, however, normally love the big picture and future possibilities. They are often visionary and imaginative, focusing on conceptual thinking.
Thinking (T) vs. feeling (F)
Thinking and feeling can relate to an individual's decision-making style. Thinkers tend to make decisions based on objective reasoning, while feelers tend to rely on intuition and personal values. Thinkers can be logical, analytical, and objective, while feelers are primarily empathetic, subjective, and driven by values.
Thinkers usually value rationality and are often more interested in achieving goals and solving practical problems. They can sometimes come across as cold or unemotional, but this may be because they prioritize logic above emotions. Feelers, on the other hand, are normally more concerned with harmony, empathy, and personal values. They tend to be warm and empathetic, but can sometimes be seen as overly emotional.
Judging (J) vs. perceiving (P)
This dichotomy is normally related to an individual's approach to structure and planning. Judging types tend to be more organized and structured, preferring to make decisions swiftly and according to a predetermined plan. Perceiving types tend to be more open-ended and adaptable, preferring to explore new possibilities and embrace spontaneity.
Judging types often enjoy planning and having a clear path forward. They may thrive on routine and predictability and usually prefer to work toward specific goals. Perceivers, on the other hand, may enjoy exploration and discovery. They can be spontaneous, adaptable, and open to new experiences, but sometimes struggle with follow-through and consistency.
No matter which personality type you identify as, recognizing your strengths and challenges can help you make better decisions and build more effective relationships with others. Through self-awareness and understanding, you'll likely be better equipped to build meaningful connections in many areas of life.
Applying the MBTI personality types in your own life
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator may not just be a tool for learning about your personality. It can also guide you in making important life decisions. Once you have discovered your personality type, you can use that information to enhance your personal growth, career success, relationship dynamics, and more.
Personal growth
After learning your personality type, you can take some time to delve deeper into what it means for you personally. When you’re honest about your strengths and weaknesses, you may find opportunities to improve your personal growth through specific behaviors.
Professional life
The MBTI can also help you make more informed decisions about your career direction. You can consider what type of work environment, tasks, and responsibilities suit your personality preferences. If you identify as an introvert, you may prefer solitary work, while extraverts may thrive in a team-oriented sales or customer service role. You may be able to research companies and industries that align with your personality type and values, potentially increasing the likelihood of job satisfaction and success.
Relationships
Understanding your MBTI type can also help you build healthier relationships with others. Knowing how your personality type interacts with others may allow you to modify your behavior accordingly, likely reducing conflict and improving communication. You can use this knowledge in both professional and personal settings to identify the best way to collaborate with and support others.
If, for example, you are an introverted person in a relationship with an extraverted one, understanding that your partner may need more social stimulation can provide insight into the balance between individual and communal activities. While communication styles may differ, understanding what motivates each other may empower you to build a stronger bond.
Collaboration and management
Effective team collaboration tends to be crucial in every industry. The MBTI can help you identify matching personality types that may work together effectively, create positive work cultures, and optimize performance output.
If you know the personality types of your coworkers or team mates, you can use that information to better understand each person’s strengths and how they contribute. You can identify potential conflict areas before they emerge and work to find solutions efficiently.
Therapy and MBTI
Applying the insights gained from the MBTI can significantly impact your overall well-being and success in life. Therapy may be a catalyst for uncovering your personality type, gaining self-awareness, and applying this understanding to enhance relationships and careers. With the help of a licensed therapist, you can learn how to make better decisions and create more successful outcomes in many aspects of life.
Recent studies indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used with the MBTI to achieve even greater success. CBT can help you identify and correct dysfunctional thinking, such as negative beliefs or self-talk, that may affect your behavior. By integrating CBT into your personal development process, you can make more informed decisions about how to best manage life's challenges and achieve lasting satisfaction.
Benefits of online therapy
If you’re interested in combining therapy techniques with knowledge of your MBTI type, one way to do so may be to connect with a therapist virtually through an online therapy platform. Online therapy can make it convenient to attend sessions from the comfort of your home and match with a therapist who can meet your needs and preferences.
Effectiveness of online therapy
As this study explains, online CBT can be effective both short-term and long-term. If you’re interested in trying therapy, in-person and online options may both be valid choices.
Takeaway
Is the Myers-Briggs test free?
While the official version of the MBTI isn’t free, there is a free personality test built upon the same principles called the 16 Personalities test. Much like the MBTI, the 16 personalities test asks participants to answer questions revolving around a certain set of traits, including the following:
- Mind (Introversion-Extraversion)
- Energy (Observant-Intuitive)
- Nature (Thinking-Feeling)
- Tactics (Judging-Prospecting)
- Identity (Assertive-Turbulent)
The 16 personalities type test differs from the MBTI in that it uses an extra category, assertive vs. turbulent. For example, where the MBTI test may give you a result of ENFJ, the 16 personalities test may give you a result of ENFJ-A or ENFJ-T. While similar, these two personalities may lead someone to develop subtle differences in their behavior. For instance, both types can be seen as “fun” by others and are often adept at making new friends. However, an ENFJ-A may be more willing to discuss their emotions with friends, while an ENFJ-T may not be as skilled at expressing themselves.
What are Briggs 4 types of personality?
There are four categories used by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): introversion-extraversion, sensing-intuition, thinking-feeling, and judging-perceiving. These types are based on research by psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that individuals experienced the world through four primary functions (intuition, feeling, sensation, and thinking), with a dominant function occurring at any given time. Following Jung’s theories, the creators of the MBTI believed that a person is more likely to prefer one of the two qualities from each category. For example, a person would be more introverted than extroverted, more prone to thinking rather than feeling, and so on.
Can I take the Myers-Briggs personality test online?
According to the Myers & Briggs Foundation, you can take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test by visiting MBTIonline.com. The test will require you to spend $49.95 USD, providing an official assessment and MBTI type upon completion. According to the official website, the online test will provide evidence of the reliability of validity of MBTI, short courses designed for personal development, verification of your MBTI type through an interactive interpretation process, a comparison tool that describes the different types, and continued retrieval of your assessment after completion (for those with an interest in revisiting their results later.)
What is the best Myers-Briggs free online test?
While individuals' opinions of the best option may vary, the Myers & Briggs Foundation provides an official version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test at MBTIonline.com. Based on the description provided by the official MBTI website, this version of the test comes with a variety of other features like type verification and evidence for assessment validity. However, it isn’t free, with the listed cost amounting to $49.95. For free versions of the test, a person may have to explore other options. These could include tests inspired by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, like the 16 personalities test.
Are online Myers-Briggs tests accurate?
While the Myers & Briggs Foundation claims that the results of the online Myers-Briggs test and other versions of the MBTI are accurate, some experts disagree. Critics claim that the theory behind the test and the limited number of personality types could oversimplify the complex concept of human personality. In addition, some individuals who take the MBTI may get different results when retaking the test. As a result, it may be helpful to not ascribe an overwhelming amount of value to your test results or make important decisions based on their results.
What is the most common Myers-Briggs personality test?
The most common Myers-Briggs personality test is likely the official assessment provided by the Myers & Briggs Foundation. As for Myers-Briggs personality types, estimates can vary concerning which is the most common. However, some believe that one of the most common types may be ISFJ.
ISFJ, or introversion, sensing, feeling, and judging, is a personality type associated with individuals who are kind and caring but may struggle to express their emotions. Despite this, ISFJ types can be sensitive to the emotions of others and are typically practical in the ways they introduce solutions to specific situations. In addition, ISFJs may struggle to meet new people, as they can initially be reserved in social situations.
What is the free alternative to Myers-Briggs?
While there is no branded free version of the MBTI, one free alternative that may be helpful is the 16 personalities test. This test uses a similar categorization system to the MBTI, but with the addition of a category called Identity which determines whether someone is more assertive or turbulent. An assertive person may be better at resisting stress, consistently strive to reach their goals, and tend to be calm in their behavior. Someone with a turbulent personality, however, may lean towards professionalism and constantly strive for improvement while being sensitive to criticism or focused on what may go wrong.
What is the rarest personality type in the Myers-Briggs test?
The rarest personality type one can get as a result of their Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test may be INFJ, which is estimated to make up only 1.5% of the population. INFJ, or introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging, are typically empathetic and organized, preferring to make decisions based on how they feel rather than the concrete details associated with a situation. While INFJs are introverted and may feel drained from attending social events, they are often willing to listen to the problems of loved ones and help them find solutions. In addition, INFJs can have a strong sense of empathy; as a result, they may cry or have other significant reactions to hearing about the struggles of others.
Is the 16 personalities test the same as Myers-Briggs?
While the 16 personalities test is built on the same principles and follows a similar framework as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test, the two are not the same. In addition, the 16 personalities test is not directly associated with the MBTI. The 16 personalities test uses the NERIS model, which contains the same acronym format as the MBTI but with an extra letter for their additional dimension, assertive-turbulent. The remaining four categories, introversion-extraversion, sensing-intuition, thinking-feeling, and judging-perceiving, are used by both personality tests.
Is Myers-Briggs accepted in psychology?
While the Myers & Briggs Foundation may claim that their personality assessment is scientifically validated and reliable, some experts in the psychology field disagree. Research relating to the use of MBTI in specific career fields suggests that there is a lack of accuracy and utility when it comes to results, and that companies may not be able to make long-term hiring decisions based on an employee's answers. In addition, it may be possible for a person to receive different results from the MBTI by retaking the test, which may call the validity of the test and its core ideas into question.
- Previous Article
- Next Article