You've probably seen friends post on Facebook or other social media like "I'm an INTP" or "My personality type is ENFJ." What are these strange four-letter codes? These are the results of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or as we all know it, the MBTI personality test. It's very popular. But does it really tell us who we are and what we're like? How reliable is it? Let's talk about this in a little more depth.
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?
Simply put, the MBTI is a questionnaire designed to categorize your personality. It was created during World War II by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers. They based it on the theory of individual preference developed by the famous psychiatrist Carl Jung.
Jung believed that people differ from one another because of fundamental differences in the way they function mentally and emotionally. So, Briggs and Myers thought they could use these ideas to help people understand their own personalities. Originally created to help doctors communicate with patients, it is now used by career counselors, educators, and even some organizations and universities.
But it's important to remember that this is not a tool used to hire someone for a job. Instead, it's often used to identify which team, role, or activity is best suited for a particular employee.
Does this MBTI have a scientific basis?
Here's the most important question. While the MBTI test is popular in some institutions, it is not widely accepted among psychologists. The main reason for this is that it is a commercial product, not one created by trained psychologists.
The biggest problem, experts point out, is that this test tries to label people into 16 specific categories . In reality, most people fall somewhere in between these two extremes. They can't be put into just one category. Think about it, some days you feel like going out with friends, and other days you feel like staying home and reading a book by yourself. Are you an introvert? Or an extrovert ? The truth is, we are all a mix of both.
Therefore, experts say that taking the MBTI test is fun and can make you think about yourself in new ways. But the result is not to be trusted blindly and make big decisions in life based on it .
The 4 basic personality preferences of the MBTI
The MBTI divides you into four preference pairs based on four basic characteristics. There is no right or wrong preference in this. However, according to this theory, knowing what your preferences are will make it easier to make the right decisions in your personal life as well as your professional life. Let's take a look at what those 4 preference pairs are.
| Preference Pair | What does this measure? |
|---|---|
| Extroversion (E) vs Introversion (I) | How do you get energy? Type E people get energy from being with other people. Type I people get energy from being alone and quiet. |
| Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N) | How you receive and focus information. Type S people focus on concrete, factual information and details. Type N people think about the big picture and future possibilities. |
| Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F) | How you make decisions. Type T people make decisions based on logic, data, and considering the pros and cons. Type F people make decisions based on their feelings, values, and how they affect others. |
| Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P) | How you interact with the outside world. Type J people like a planned, organized life. They make decisions and act on them. Type P people are more flexible and like to be open. They may postpone making decisions until the last minute. |
The 16 MBTI personality types
These 16 personality types are created by adding one letter each from the four preference pairs mentioned above. This four-letter code is your MBTI personality type. Let's take a look at what each of these types has in common.
INTJ (Independent Thinker)
These people are very independent, deep thinkers. They have a great interest in implementing new ideas and achieving their goals . They are well suited to fields such as science, engineering, and law.
INFJ (Ideal Advisor)
Compassionate, idealistic people. They try to understand others. They are very good at implementing their vision. They are good at things like teaching and social service.
ISFJ (Faithful Protector)
Very patient, responsible, and trustworthy. Loves to help others. Good at health care, secretarial positions, etc. Likes an orderly, peaceful environment.
ISTJ (Responsible Realist)
Quiet, reliable, and very organized. Very attentive to details. Will work tirelessly towards their goals despite obstacles. Suitable for jobs such as law enforcement and accounting.
INTP (logical innovator)
Logical, analytical, and innovative. Good at finding new ways to solve complex problems. Good at fields like architecture and research.
INFP (Idealist)
Idealistic, very committed to their values and loved ones. Creative, they are good at things like writing and visual arts.
ISFP (Artistic Adventurer)
Sensitive, quiet, kind. Likes to live in the present moment. Dislikes conflict. Likes a supportive , non-competitive work environment.
ISTP (The Bold Artist)
Quiet, patient, but very efficient. When faced with a problem, they quickly find solutions. They are skilled in practical fields such as surgery, agriculture, and engineering.
ENTP (Entrepreneurial Innovator)
Very active, talkative, and like challenges. Good at solving complex problems. Gets bored with monotonous things quickly. Suitable for fast-paced fields like business and finance.
ENFP (Enthusiastic Activist)
People with good imagination and enthusiasm. Good at working with others. Loves to support others. Good at things like training and teaching.
ESFP (Fun Showman)
Very sociable, outgoing. Likes to be with people and enjoy life. Good at working with others. Good in fields like healthcare and teaching.
ESTP (Extroverted Entrepreneur)
People with great energy and enthusiasm, as well as practicality. Like to live in the present. Good at fields such as marketing, security services.
ENTJ (Commanding Leader)
People who are practical, decisive, and have leadership qualities. They are good at efficiently achieving goals. They are naturally placed in leadership positions.
ENFJ (Charming Leader)
People with natural leadership qualities, warm and sensitive. They are good at understanding the needs of others. They are good in fields such as counseling, teaching, and religious work.
ESFJ (Social Helper)
Very sociable, conscientious people. Strives to create peace and cooperation. Suitable for childcare, nursing, teaching, etc.
ESTJ (Effective Executive)
Highly organized, eager to get things done efficiently. Works logically and with attention to detail. Good at areas with clear responsibilities, such as law enforcement.
Where can I take this MBTI test?
There are official websites where you can take the MBTI test. You can also get it done through an MBTI-certified practitioner. However, these official methods usually charge a fee.
Additionally, there are hundreds of free personality tests available online. The "16 Personalities Test" is one such test. These are great for fun, but keep in mind that they are less accurate than the official test.
Take-Home Message
- MBTI is a popular test that categorizes your personality into one of 16 types.
- This can help you gain some insight and self-reflection. It's a fun experience.
- However, it is important to remember that the MBTI test does not have a strong scientific basis and is not widely accepted by psychologists.
- Avoid making major life decisions about your job, education, or relationships based solely on the results of this test.
- If you have a genuine concern about your mental health, behavior, or conditions such as excessive anxiety, do not rely on such tests, but see a qualified physician (doctor) and seek proper advice.
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