Time for a quiz! What’s your personality type?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool designed to offer insights into individual preferences, tendencies, and behaviors. Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers in the mid-20th century, the MBTI draws upon the psychological theories of Carl Jung to categorize individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types.
The accuracy of the results and the amount of insight it provides into understanding oneself can be quite shocking. While the test is based in decades of research, it’s also important to remember that the MBTI is fluid self-awareness tool, rather than a definitive measure of personality.
How the MBTI Works
The MBTI will ask you to respond to approximately 100 statements. It then assesses personality based on four dichotomous pairs of preferences:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): Reflects whether individuals draw energy from the external world (extraversion) or from within themselves (introversion).
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Describes how individuals prefer to gather information—through concrete, sensory experiences (sensing) or abstract patterns and possibilities (intuition).
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Indicates how individuals make decisions—based on logic, objectivity, and analysis (thinking) or on empathy, values, and personal considerations (feeling).
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Highlights how individuals prefer to organize their external world—through structured plans and decisions (judging) or through flexibility, spontaneity, and openness (perceiving).
By completing the MBTI assessment, individuals receive a four-letter type code that represents their unique personality preferences across these dimensions.
The 16 Personality Types
Each of the 16 personality types offers a distinctive combination of preferences, strengths, and potential areas for growth:
ISTJ (The Inspector): Dependable, detail-oriented, and methodical, with a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
ISFJ (The Protector): Supportive, nurturing, and conscientious, with a focus on preserving harmony and meeting practical needs.
INFJ (The Advocate): Insightful, compassionate, and visionary, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to personal values.
INTJ (The Architect): Strategic, analytical, and independent, with a knack for conceptualizing long-term plans and innovative solutions.
ISTP (The Crafter): Resourceful, adaptable, and hands-on, with a talent for troubleshooting and mastering technical skills.
ISFP (The Composer): Artistic, empathetic, and spontaneous, guided by a desire for authenticity and emotional connection.
INFP (The Mediator): Idealistic, creative, and empathic, with a passion for personal growth and meaningful relationships.
INTP (The Thinker): Curious, logical, and inventive, driven by a quest for knowledge and understanding of complex systems.
ESTP (The Dynamo): Energetic, spontaneous, and action-oriented, with a talent for seizing opportunities and adapting to change.
ESFP (The Performer): Enthusiastic, sociable, and playful, with a flair for entertaining others and enjoying life's pleasures.
ENFP (The Champion): Charismatic, imaginative, and empathetic, driven by a desire to inspire change and explore possibilities.
ENTP (The Visionary): Inventive, strategic, and persuasive, with a passion for generating ideas and challenging the status quo.
ESTJ (The Supervisor): Efficient, organized, and responsible, with a natural ability to lead and manage practical tasks.
ESFJ (The Provider): Sociable, caring, and dependable, with a focus on nurturing relationships and supporting others.
ENFJ (The Teacher): Charismatic, supportive, and visionary, with a talent for motivating and inspiring others toward shared goals.
ENTJ (The Commander): Assertive, visionary, and strategic, with a natural aptitude for leading and implementing long-term plans.
Why the MBTI Matters
Deeper knowledge of ourselves can have a powerful impact on our lives. By recognizing our own tendencies and those of others, we gain a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, communication styles, and decision-making processes. This self-awareness can be instrumental in fostering empathy, building meaningful connections, and navigating relationships with greater insight and compassion.
In the context of personal growth and healing, the MBTI provides a framework for self-reflection and exploration, guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By embracing our unique personality traits and understanding how they shape our perceptions and behaviors, we can cultivate greater self-acceptance, resilience, and authenticity in our lives.
Take the MBTI Assessment
Ready to discover your MBTI personality type and gain valuable insights into your unique preferences and tendencies? Check out the links!
Paid test ($59.95) - https://www.mbtionline.com/en-US/Products/For-you
Free test (not as accurate, but a great starting point!) - https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
Looking to connect with a therapist who understands the importance of knowing ourselves and our tendencies?
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About the author
Amanda Buduris is a licensed psychologist providing virtual therapy services in Oregon and Washington. She is trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused healing to best support clients who are looking to feel better faster.
