Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report inventory which aims to specify an individual’s strengths and preferences regarding perspectives, relating with others, information processing, and making decisions. It is currently one of the most popular psychological assessment tools used in diagnosing organizational concerns, stress management, career counseling, and other pertinent fields. This was developed by Isabel Myers and her mother, Katherine Briggs. This introspective questionnaire is based on the theory of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychoanalyst and psychiatrist.
Basically, this personality type indicator has four scales: extraversion (E)-introversion (I), sensing (S)-intuition (N), thinking (T)-feeling (F), and judging (J)-perceiving (P).
The E-I dichotomy describes how individuals react and interact with others. Extraverts are often social-oriented and tend to feel recharged when interacting with others. On the other hand, introverts are often thought-oriented and feel energized after having some me-time.
The S-N dichotomy indicates information-gathering preferences. Sensors generally focus on details, facts, and experience. They tend to focus on impressions, patterns, possibilities, abstract concepts, and gut-feel.
The T-F dichotomy looks into decision-making tendencies. Thinkers generally consider objective information, logic, and consistency while feelers get influenced by emotions.
The J-P dichotomy focuses on how the outside world is dealt with. Those who score high on judging generally like structure and firm decisions while those who score high on perceiving are usually flexible, open, and spontaneous.
These scales interact with each other to produce 16 possible personality types: ISTJ, ISTP, ISFJ, ISFP, INFJ, INFP, INTJ, INTP, ESTP, ESTJ, ESFP, ESFJ, ENFP, ENFJ, ENTP, and ENTJ.
* ISTJ (introversion, sensing, thinking, judgement) is also known as “The Inspector”. Those with this type tend to be quiet, practical, and organized. They usually value loyalty, traditions, and loyalty.
* ISTP (introversion, sensing, thinking, perceiving) is also known as “The Crafter”. Those who fall under this type are often independent, prefer action and new experiences, and prefer to work at their own pace.
* ISFJ (introversion, sensing, feeling, judgement) is also known as “The Nurturer”. People with this personality are usually responsible, warm-hearted, empathetic, organized, and reserved.
* INFP (introversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving) is also known as “The Idealist”. This type is characterized by being quiet, an analytical thinker, reserved, daydreaming, and deep thinking.
* INTJ (introversion, intuition, thinking, and judgement) is also known as “The Mastermind”. This type is characterized by self-sufficiency, introversion, interest in theories, efficient planning, curiosity, and strategic thinking.
* INTP (introversion, intuition, thinking, and perceiving) is also dubbed as “The Thinker”. As compared to other types, INTP is the most logical; those with this personality are good at patterns, detecting inconsistencies, and interpreting behaviors.
* ESTP (extroversion, sensing, thinking, and perceiving) is also dubbed as “The Doer”. It is characterized by spontaneity, preference for social interaction, need for freedom, and street smarts.
* ESTJ (extroversion, sensing, thinking, and judgement) is also known as “The Supervisor”. Those with this type are traditional, honest, organized, dedicated, helpful, and often take leadership roles.
* ESFP (extroversion, sensing, feeling, and perceiving) is also known as “The Performer”. Those with this type are very comfortable interacting with people, generous, warm, like entertaining others, lively, sympathetic, and thrive in the spotlight.
* ESFJ (extroversion, sensing, feeling, and judgment) is dubbed as “The Provider”. Those with this type tend to be social butterflies, popular, active, and efficient event organizers.
* ENFP (extroversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving) is also known as “The Champion”. Those with this personality are highly perceptive, individualistic, competitive, creative, thoughtful, and enjoy being with others.
* ENFJ (extroversion, intuition, feeling, and judgment) is also dubbed as “The Giver”. This is characterized by being able to relate with others from various walks of life, charismatic, ethical, idealistic, generous, imaginative, and emotion-oriented.
* ENTP (extroversion, intuition, thinking, and perceiving) is also known as “The Visionary”. Those with this type tend to be knowledgeable, logical, good at theories, and not enjoy small talk (though they are extroverts).
* ENTJ (extroversion, intuition, thinking, and judgement) is also dubbed as “The Commander”. Those with this personality type are often leaders, optimists, efficient decision makers, and logical.
* ISFP (introversion, sensing, feeling, and perceiving), dubbed as “The Composer”, is characterized by being friendly, warm, approachable, and spontaneous. Even if they are introverts, they love adventures and prefer learning from outgoing people.
* INFJ (introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgement) is also known as “The Counselor”. Those with this personality type tend to be visionaries, have profound perspectives, and be perceived as weird due to their unique way of thinking.