Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as an INFJ or an ESTP and wondered what those random-sounding letters meant? These people are referring to their personality type based on the MBTI, or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Origins
In the early 1900s, Katharine Cook Briggs was first interested in researching personality type theory when she met her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers’s future husband, Clarence Myers. Noticing that he had a unique way of seeing the world intrigued her enough to delve into a literature review studying different temperaments.
Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, published a book titled Psychological Types in 1921. In 1923, Briggs read the English translation and noticed similarities between her research and Jung’s ideas. However, Jung’s theories of personal difference were much more developed. Briggs and Myers thought Jung’s work was so insightful they wanted to make his ideas accessible to a wider audience.
The MBTI instrument was first published in 1962. It relies on a self-report to identify a person's personality type, strengths, and preferences.
The First Letter: How one interacts with the world
E, standing for extroversion, applies to people who tend to have a proactive approach to life, enjoy engaging with others regularly, and feel revitalised and energised after social interactions.
I, standing for introversion, applies to people who are generally the opposite: they have an "inward-turning" personality and tend to be naturally inclined towards introspection and deep contemplation. They find joy in engaging in meaningful social interactions that foster genuine connections. Additionally, they experience a sense of renewal and revitalisation after dedicating time to themselves, using moments of solitude to recharge their mental and emotional well-being.
The Second Letter: How one absorbs information from the world
S, standing for sensing, includes those who have a natural inclination to be aware of the present reality, placing more importance on what they can observe and learn through their senses. They also tend to have a sharp focus on factual information and specific details, finding joy in hands-on experiences that allow them to fully immerse themselves in the physical world.
N, or intuition, includes those who tend to possess a deep curiosity for contemplating possibilities, envisioning the future, and delving into abstract theories. They derive pleasure from allowing their thoughts to wander freely, exploring beyond the confines of the present moment. These individuals find delight in the pursuit of ideas unravelling the underlying concepts that shape our world.
The Third Letter: How one makes decisions
The third letter, either T for thinking, or F for feeling, is meant to represent if someone’s decisions are led with their head or heart.
Those who lean towards Thinking tend to approach situations with a focus on logic and objectivity. They weigh pros and cons based on rationality, often setting aside personal emotions to get to a conclusion. On the other hand, individuals who lean towards feeling bring a different perspective.
Feelers consider the impact on people and the emotions involved as crucial factors in their decision-making process. Empathy plays a significant role for them, as they prioritise understanding and considering the feelings and needs of others before reaching a final decision.
The Fourth Letter: How one deals with the outside world
J, judging, includes people who are inclined towards structure and making firm decisions. They find security in having a clear plan and sticking to it.
Those who lean towards P, or perceiving, are more inclined to be flexible, spontaneous, and adaptable. They embrace exploring different possibilities and are comfortable with adjusting their plans as new information arises.
These two tendencies interact with the other aspects of their personality, influencing their overall approach to different situations they encounter in life.
Validity of the Indicator
The MBTI assessment is widely recognised as the most used personality assessment used by people all around the world. With a strong reputation built for over 50 years, it is a reliable tool for understanding differences and applying that knowledge to how people think, communicate, and interact with one another.
The impact of the MBTI assessment may extend to various aspects of life, from personal development to team dynamics and organisational success. It plays a role in improving communication, fostering strong and effective teamwork, nurturing leadership skills, and guiding career management.
By harnessing the insights gained from the MBTI, teams and organisations can navigate modern-day challenges, learning and adapting along the way to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Do the MBTI Test HERE if you’re interested!
Reference List
The Myers-Briggs Company (2017). The history of the MBTI® assessment. [online]
Themyersbriggs.com. Available at: https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/en/tools/MBTI/Myers-Briggs-history [Accessed 27 Mar. 2024].
Carl Jung | Biography, Archetypes, Books, Collective Unconscious, & Theory |
Britannica. (2024). In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-Jung [Accessed 27 Mar. 2024].
https://www.facebook.com/verywell (2023). Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The 16
Personality Types. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583 [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
Unomaha.edu. (2024). MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment) |
Enrollment Management | University of Nebraska Omaha. [online] Available at: https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/personality-and-interest-inventory/myers-briggs-type-indicator-assessment.php#:~:text=The%20MBTI%20assessment%20is%20the,think%2C%20communicate%2C%20and%20interact. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
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