Myers briggs scale personality types


The Myers & Briggs Foundation

The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people's lives. The essence of the theory is that much seemingly random variation in the behavior is actually quite orderly and consistent, being due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their perception and judgment.

"Perception involves all the ways of becoming aware of things, people, happenings, or ideas. Judgment involves all the ways of coming to conclusions about what has been perceived. If people differ systematically in what they perceive and in how they reach conclusions, then it is only reasonable for them to differ correspondingly in their interests, reactions, values, motivations, and skills."

In developing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator [instrument], the aim of Isabel Briggs Myers, and her mother, Katharine Briggs, was to make the insights of type theory accessible to individuals and groups. They addressed the two related goals in the developments and application of the MBTI instrument:

The identification of basic preferences of each of the four dichotomies specified or implicit in Jung's theory.

The identification and description of the 16 distinctive personality types that result from the interactions among the preferences."

Excerpted with permission from the MBTI® Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

Favorite world: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).

Information: Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N).

Decisions: When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).

Structure: In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

Your Personality Type: When you decide on your preference in each category, you have your own personality type, which can be expressed as a code with four letters.

The 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® instrument are listed here as they are often shown in what is called a "type table."


For a description of your MBTI type, place your cursor over the box containing your four-letter type code. You may also wish to browse through all of the 16 type descriptions.

If you do not know your MBTI type, you may wish to take the instrument.

Type tables can also be used to gather and facilitate analysis of information about teams or specific groups of people.

All types are equal: The goal of knowing about personality type is to understand and appreciate differences between people. As all types are equal, there is no best type.

The MBTI instrument sorts for preferences and does not measure trait, ability, or character. The MBTI tool is different from many other psychological instruments and also different from other personality tests.

The best reason to choose the MBTI instrument to discover your personality type is that hundreds of studies over the past 40 years have proven the instrument to be both valid and reliable. In other words, it measures what it says it does (validity) and produces the same results when given more than once (reliability). When you want an accurate profile of your personality type, ask if the instrument you plan to use has been validated.

The theory of psychological type was introduced in the 1920s by Carl G. Jung. The MBTI tool was developed in the 1940s by Isabel Briggs Myers and the original research was done in the 1940s and '50s. This research is ongoing, providing users with updated and new information about psychological type and its applications. Millions of people worldwide have taken the Indicator each year since its first publication in 1962.

 

Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types

Explore our in-depth descriptions of each of the 16 personality types to learn more about yourself and your loved ones. Or, if you're not sure which personality type fits you, take our free personality test .

The 16 personality types were created by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, developers of the MBTI® assessment. Myers and Briggs created their personality typology to help people discover their own strengths and gain a better understanding of how people are different.

When you discover your own personality type, you'll understand more clearly why you do the things you do. You will gain confidence in your strengths and be better able to make decisions that suit your true nature.

Find Your Type

INFP

The Healer

INFPs are imaginative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To a Healer, possibilities are paramount; the reality of the moment is only of passing concern. They see potential for a better future, and pursue truth and meaning with their own flair.

INTJ

The Mastermind

INTJs are analytical problem-solvers, eager to improve systems and processes with their innovative ideas. They have a talent for seeing possibilities for improvement, whether at work, at home, or in themselves.

INFJ

The Counselor

INFJs are creative nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. Creative and dedicated, they have a talent for helping others with original solutions to their personal challenges.

INTP

The Architect

INTPs are philosophical innovators, fascinated by logical analysis, systems, and design. They are preoccupied with theory, and search for the universal law behind everything they see. They want to understand the unifying themes of life, in all their complexity.

ENFP

The Champion

ENFPs are people-centered creators with a focus on possibilities and a contagious enthusiasm for new ideas, people and activities. Energetic, warm, and passionate, ENFPs love to help other people explore their creative potential.

ENTJ

The Commander

ENTJs are strategic leaders, motivated to organize change. They are quick to see inefficiency and conceptualize new solutions, and enjoy developing long-range plans to accomplish their vision. They excel at logical reasoning and are usually articulate and quick-witted.

ENTP

The Visionary

ENTPs are inspired innovators, motivated to find new solutions to intellectually challenging problems. They are curious and clever, and seek to comprehend the people, systems, and principles that surround them.

ENFJ

The Teacher

ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas.

ISFJ

The Protector

ISFJs are industrious caretakers, loyal to traditions and organizations. They are practical, compassionate, and caring, and are motivated to provide for others and protect them from the perils of life.

ISFP

The Composer

ISFPs are gentle caretakers who live in the present moment and enjoy their surroundings with cheerful, low-key enthusiasm. They are flexible and spontaneous, and like to go with the flow to enjoy what life has to offer.

ISTJ

The Inspector

ISTJs are responsible organizers, driven to create and enforce order within systems and institutions. They are neat and orderly, inside and out, and tend to have a procedure for everything they do.

ISTP

The Craftsperson

ISTPs are observant artisans with an understanding of mechanics and an interest in troubleshooting. They approach their environments with a flexible logic, looking for practical solutions to the problems at hand.

ESFJ

The Provider

ESFJs are conscientious helpers, sensitive to the needs of others and energetically dedicated to their responsibilities. They are highly attuned to their emotional environment and attentive to both the feelings of others and the perception others have of them.

ESFP

The Performer

ESFPs are vivacious entertainers who charm and engage those around them. They are spontaneous, energetic, and fun-loving, and take pleasure in the things around them: food, clothes, nature, animals, and especially people.

ESTJ

The Supervisor

ESTJs are hardworking traditionalists, eager to take charge in organizing projects and people. Orderly, rule-abiding, and conscientious, ESTJs like to get things done, and tend to go about projects in a systematic, methodical way.

ESTP

The Dynamo

ESTPs are energetic thrillseekers who are at their best when putting out fires, whether literal or metaphorical. They bring a sense of dynamic energy to their interactions with others and the world around them.

 

Personality typing is a system of categorizing people according to their tendencies to think and act in particular ways. Personality typing attempts to find the broadest, most important ways in which people are different, and make sense of these differences by sorting people into meaningful groups.

What is personality typing?

The personality types described here were created by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, in the 1960's. Their theories were based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung, although they extended his ideas to create a more complete framework of personality typing. Myers and Briggs proposed that there were four key dimensions that could be used to categorize people:

  • Introversion vs. Extraversion
  • Sensing vs. Intuition
  • Thinking vs. Feeling
  • Judging vs. Perceiving

Each of the four dimensions was described as a dichotomy, or an either/or choice between two styles of being. Myers and Briggs described this as a "preference" and proposed that any individual should be able to identify a preferred style on each of the four dimensions. The sum of a person's four preferred styles becomes their personality type.

Myers and Briggs theorized that our preferences on each of the four dimensions would combine to create predictable patterns in thought and behavior, so that people with the same four preferences would share many commonalities in the way they approach their lives, from the hobbies they choose to the work that might suit them.

What is the meaning of the four letters in a personality type?

Each of the four letters in a personality type code stands for a preference in your style of thinking or behaving.

I/E: Introversion or Extraversion

The Introversion/Extraversion dimension describes how a person manages their energy.

Introverts are energized by spending quiet time alone or with a small group. They tend to be more reserved and thoughtful.

Extraverts are energized by spending time with people and in busy, active surroundings. They tend to be more expressive and outspoken.

S/N: Sensing or iNtuition

The Sensing/Intuition dimension describes how an individual processes information.

Sensors focus on their five senses and are interested in information they can directly see, hear, feel, and so on. They tend to be hands-on learners and are often described as "practical."

Intuitives focus on a more abstract level of thinking; they are more interested in theories, patterns, and explanations. They are often more concerned with the future than the present and are often described as "creative. "

T/F: Thinking or Feeling

The Thinking/Feeling dimension describes how people make decisions.

Thinkers tend to make decisions with their heads; they are interested in finding the most logical, reasonable choice.

Feelers tend to make decisions with their hearts; they are interested in how a decision will affect people, and whether it fits in with their values.

J/P: Judging or Perceiving

The Judging/Perceiving dimension describes how people approach structure in their lives.

Judgers appreciate structure and order; they like things planned, and dislike last-minute changes.

Perceivers appreciate flexibility and spontaneity; they like to leave things open so they can change their minds.

How do I know which personality type I am?

Easy—take our in-depth personality type test!

 

THE FINE PRINT: Myers-Briggs® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of the MBTI Trust, Inc. , which has no affiliation with this site. Truity offers a free personality test based on Myers and Briggs' types, but does not offer the official MBTI® assessment. For more information on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® assessment, please go here.

Luscher test | Blog 4brain

The Lüscher Test is a personality test developed by the Swiss psychotherapist Max Lüscher. The essence of the test is the ranking of colored cards. Based on your individual preferences between colors, certain conclusions can be drawn about your personality.

We invite you to take our online Self-Knowledge Program to get to know yourself better. In 4 weeks, with the help of psychological tests and exercises, you will find out what you really want in life, understand your strengths and weaknesses.

What is the Luscher test and how does it work?

The method of color diagnostics, developed by the psychotherapist Max Luscher and named after him, was developed in the middle of the last century and immediately became popular.

The test was the main development of Luscher and the main business of his life. For several decades, he conducted research and improved his methodology.

Max Luscher believed that color perception is universal, but color preferences are individual. Based on this, knowing the colors preferred by the individual and their meaning, one can draw conclusions about the properties of his character and internal state.

Also, the results of the Luscher test help psychotherapists determine the causes of stress and, accordingly, find ways to get rid of it.

It should be noted that according to Max Luscher himself, his test is applicable to every person. Regardless of gender, nationality, age, etc. The test will allow you to make a correct diagnosis.

There are various variations of this test. The most popular is the eight-color Luscher test. In this version, the person is asked to rank the colors below.

As already mentioned, there are several Luscher tests, and, of course, each of them is real. They differ in the number of colors, the size of the cards and the colors themselves (shades).

Clinical Luscher color test

This test is called the complete Luscher test, because it contains more colors.

It requires the following conditions:

  1. Good natural light.
  2. No direct sunlight.
  3. Using the original colors (if you change the set of colors, the interpretation of the results will also change)

This test is carried out as follows:

  1. Select among shades of gray.
  2. 8 colors.
  3. Choice of four basic colors.
  4. Among the blue.
  5. Among the green.
  6. Among red.
  7. Among yellow.

You can take the Luscher test here (including the full one) and here.

Meaning of colors

Each color has its own special characteristics.

Gray

In the Luscher test, gray is a neutral color. If a person puts it in the first place, then he wants to separate from the rest of the world, to avoid the influence of any incentives. If gray is not chosen first, it means a person's desire to move away from the problems that indicate the least attractive colors. The gray color in the first three positions is interpreted as a tendency to self-deception.

Red

Red is the color of excitement. It means the desire for power, success, rich and vibrant life. If the red color is placed in the first place, it means that the person wants to experience this excitement in the near future. Red in the last places means fear of excitement, unwillingness to experience it.

Green

This color means perseverance, perseverance, constancy and reliability. Also resistance to change. If a person chooses green first, then they probably want to increase their confidence in their own worth. Green also means the desire to establish control over one's own life and improve it. The green color in the first place is a sign of a thirst for recognition. Green in the last places means the same desires, but the unwillingness to realize them.

Blue

Blue is the color of peace, the color of the absence of irritation. Therefore, the choice of blue color means the need for peace and relaxation. That is, blue is a sign of susceptibility. If a person puts blue in last place, this means unwillingness to rest. A person believes that he cannot calm down, slow down, without losing anything.

Yellow

Somewhat similar to red, but weaker. Yellow is brightness, fun, hope for happiness. If a person chooses him one of the first, this means the desire for liberation from what is currently oppressing a person. Yellow in the last places is a sign of the destruction of hopes.

Brown

Brown - muted red. He is more passive. Brown suggests sensory perception, not agitated activity. This color in the first places denotes the desire for peace and relaxation. Last but not least, the desire to stand out.

Violet

Violet is obtained by mixing blue and red, two opposite colors. Purple can represent unity or uncertainty. It is often one of the first choices of teenagers. Purple in the last places means the desire for merger and unity.

Black

This is the color of negation, "nothing". Black in the first place means a protest against one's own destiny, its denial. Black in last place is the belief that rejection leads to scarcity, deprivation. Therefore, the person who put black in last place does not want to give up anything.

Criticism of the test

Critics often point out that the wording of the test results is rather vague and universal. That is, because of the Barnum effect, people think that the test is incredibly accurate and “just about me,” but in fact, its results are suitable for almost everyone.

There is no convincing evidence that the Luscher test is really accurate and gives a purely individual characteristic, therefore, its results should not be taken too seriously.

We wish you success and proper self-esteem!

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Personality types according to Myers-Briggs (MBTI)

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Traps of thinking. How to Make Decisions You Won't Regret Chip Heath, Dan Heath

Much has been written about the Myers-Briggs personality typology, either a lot and incomprehensibly, or little and even more incomprehensible. And, despite the fact that the test for its definition is often criticized, it remains an important key to understanding personality characteristics. Generally speaking, it determines how people perceive the world and make decisions. Many Western companies require the Myers-Briggs test for employment. Also, according to the authors of Wikipedia, about 70% of American graduates are tested in order to find out their strengths and choose their future profession.

Brief history

The prehistory of the appearance of typology goes back to the works of Carl Jung, who, in his book Psychological Types, published in 1921, suggested that there are four main psychological functions that help a person perceive the world. These are thinking, feeling, intuition and sensations. This work was much more fundamental than the ideas of the American Catherine Briggs, who was simply interested in the differences in the characters of different people. But, having become acquainted with Jung's typology, she, supported by her daughter Isabelle Briggs-Myers, began to study this issue in detail and even published a couple of scientific articles. She also singled out four types, and was based, by her own admission, on the works of Jung. But later, the daughter significantly expanded the theory, giving it the outlines of a modern one.

It happened during the Second World War. It was then that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator appeared (MBTI - typology proper, the term "socionics" is also often used). It was not a "naked" theory - the researchers relied on original tests, compiled by them. The purpose of the research was the most noble: on the basis of testing, to determine individual personal preferences in work and to select women who were supposed to replace men who had gone into the army in the workplace, where they could show their talents at their true worth. Already later, in the 1950s and 1960s, prominent scientists spoke positively about the typology, and new experiments were carried out to refine the methodology. But in addition to followers, MBTI also has a number of critics who point out that the Myers-Briggs typology almost duplicates C. Jung's research in the theoretical part and does not always find its validity in practice.

The essence of the MBTI psychological testing system is that, by measuring the unique combinations of a person's personality factors, it is possible to predict his inclination to a certain type of activity, his style of action, the nature of his decisions and other features that allow him to feel comfortable and confident. For and what were invented, 4 scales (descriptors), according to which the personality is studied:

  • orientation of consciousness (introversion-extraversion),
  • orientation in the situation (common sense - intuition)
  • decision-making basis (logos-pathos)
  • way of preparing decisions (rationality - irrationality)

Consider each scale in more detail:

Scale EI: orientation of consciousness


Introverts (I-type) are not necessarily closed and uncommunicative people, as often portrayed by the "yellow" publications. They can be sociable and sociable, but they draw energy and work better on their own. Such people prefer thoughts, not words, so they always think before they say something.

In contrast to extroverts (E-type), whose sociability borders on talkativeness. They are happy to be and work with other people. They solve problems not alone behind closed doors, but through discussion, which allows them to find a compromise. But such situations arise more often - the nature of human communication, and even in abundance, makes itself felt.

In simple words, the EI scale tells about the general orientation of consciousness:

  • E (extrovert) - orientation to external objects;
  • I (introvert) - orientation inward, on oneself.

SN scale: situational orientation


The translation of the word "sensing" as "common sense" is not entirely accurate. People belonging to the S-type, assessing the situation, take into account all the details that can be understood and felt thanks to the "sensors" - sight, smell, touch. They rely on external, already known data and are consistent in their decisions, which are carefully considered and weighed. They are always accurate, guesses that are not confirmed by facts do not matter to them, and only what is happening here and now is of paramount importance.

N-type is more inclined to rely on intuition. Often these are people with a developed imagination, for whom the world is a concentration of opportunities. They are more casual about the facts, but they are able to see the picture globally, to predict a variety of paths for the development of events.

In simple terms, the SN scale reflects the chosen way of orienting in a situation:

  • S (sensorics) - orientation to facts and experience gained;
  • N (intuition) - orientation to premonitions, general information.

TF scale: the basis of decision making


Decision making is based on the well-known dichotomy: emotions and intelligence (IQ vs EQ). T-types are people for whom logic comes first. They follow the voice of reason and make decisions only after careful consideration. Representatives of this type analyze information well, and are also fair and objective.

F-type is the person from whom you will not write off the problem in physics, but you will be the first to go to him to share your joy or misfortune. These are empaths, for whom the nature of human feelings is almost always more important than everything else. These are people with developed emotional intelligence, and it is he, and not logic, that often guides their actions.

In simple words, the TF scale - how a person makes decisions:

  • T (thinking, logic) - the ability to rationally weigh the pros and cons;
  • F (feeling, ethics) - decisions are made emotionally.

JP scale: a way of preparing decisions


P-types are not capable of comprehensive control and planning, but they can perceive a lot of information and at once through several channels.


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