The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a widely used personality assessment tool designed to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their personality traits, preferences, and behavior. It was developed by Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung.
To find out your personality type click here to take the free test
The assessment consists of four pairs of dichotomies that represent opposite preferences.
The first dichotomy, Extraversion vs. Introversion (E vs. I), describes how individuals derive their energy. Those who prefer Extraversion are energized by being around people and external stimulation, while Introverts are energized by solitude and introspection.
The second dichotomy is Sensing vs. iNtuition (S vs N), which describes how individuals perceive information. Those who prefer Sensing rely on their five senses and focus on concrete facts and details, while those who prefer Intuition rely on their intuition and focus on abstract ideas and patterns.
The third dichotomy is Thinking vs. Feeling (T vs. F), which describes how individuals make decisions. Those who prefer Thinking base their decisions on logic and objective criteria, while those who prefer Feeling base their decisions on personal values and emotions.
The fourth dichotomy is Judging vs. Perceiving (J vs. P), which describes how individuals approach the external world. Those who prefer Judging like to have structure and order and prefer to plan and organize, while those who prefer Perceiving like to stay flexible and open to new experiences and information.
The assessment asks a series of questions to understand an individual’s preferences. These answers determine the individual’s personality type, consisting of four letters representing each dichotomy. For example, an ENFP type prefers Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving.
There are 16 personality types in the Myers-Briggs system, which are determined by different combinations of the four dichotomies.
Here is a description of the 8 introverted personality types:
ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging): ISTJs are typically serious individuals who value stability and order. They are highly dependable and take their commitments seriously, often placing a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and duty. They are methodical and precise in their approach to problem-solving, and prefer to rely on facts and evidence rather than intuition or speculation. Although they can be reserved and introverted, they are often deeply loyal to those they care about and are committed to maintaining close relationships with friends and family.
ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): ISFJs are known for their kindness, empathy, and deep sense of responsibility towards others. They have a natural talent for nurturing and caring for the people in their lives, and often prioritize the needs of others above their own. ISFJs are highly dependable and reliable, and their attention to detail and organizational skills allow them to excel in a wide range of roles. They can sometimes struggle with expressing their own emotions, but their strong sense of loyalty and commitment to their relationships make them valued friends and partners.
INFJ (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging): INFJs are are deeply introspective and often feel a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. They have a unique ability to understand the motivations and emotions of others, and are often driven to help people in need. INFJs are highly intuitive and can sense when something is amiss, making them excellent at reading between the lines and identifying underlying issues. They value authenticity and have a strong sense of ethics and morality, often feeling a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place. Despite their introverted nature, INFJs are often excellent communicators and have a way of connecting with others on a deep, emotional level.
INTJ (Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging): INTJs are often deep thinkers who enjoy exploring complex ideas and concepts. They tend to be reserved and introspective, preferring to spend time alone to reflect and contemplate. They have a natural curiosity and a strong desire to learn, and often pursue knowledge in their areas of interest with great passion. INTJs also value efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of their lives, and tend to approach tasks and challenges with a strategic and analytical mindset. They may come across as being somewhat reserved or distant, but they are deeply committed to their goals and values, and have a strong sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving): ISTPs are individuals who thrive in hands-on situations and enjoy tinkering with machinery and equipment. They have a natural curiosity about how things work and are often skilled at taking things apart to understand them better. They have a keen eye for detail and are quick to identify and solve problems, making them valuable in troubleshooting situations. ISTPs are known for being independent and self-reliant, preferring to work alone or in small groups where they can focus on the task at hand.
ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving): ISFPs are introspective and value their personal freedom. They have a deep understanding of their own emotions and the emotions of others, making them highly empathetic individuals. They enjoy exploring the world around them and have a keen appreciation for beauty and sensory experiences. ISFPs are often highly creative and enjoy expressing themselves through artistic mediums, such as music, dance, or visual arts. They value authenticity and often prioritize personal relationships over external success or material possessions.
INFP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving): INFPs are introspective and contemplative individuals who are deeply in touch with their emotions and values. They have a strong sense of empathy and are highly attuned to the feelings and needs of others. INFPs are creative and imaginative, often pursuing artistic endeavors such as writing or painting. They are driven by a desire for personal growth and a sense of meaning in their lives, and are often passionate about causes they believe in. While they may appear reserved or introverted on the surface, they have a rich inner world that they are eager to explore and share with others.
INTP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving): INTPs are introspective, analytical, and independent individuals who are driven by a desire to understand the world around them. They have a natural curiosity and enjoy exploring complex ideas and theories. They’re often comfortable working alone and can be highly focused when pursuing their interests. They’re skilled at analyzing problems and coming up with creative solutions, often using their logical and analytical abilities to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. They value their independence and are motivated by a desire to explore new ideas and knowledge.
Here is a description of the 8 extraverted personality types:
ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging): ESTJs are confident and assertive individuals who are focused on achieving their goals. They are practical problem-solvers who value order and structure, and are skilled at managing people and resources. They have a natural talent for taking charge and making decisions, and are driven by a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They thrive in environments where there are clear rules and procedures in place, and often excel in careers that require attention to detail and systematic thinking.
ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): ESFJs are warm-hearted, sociable, and nurturing individuals who enjoy connecting with others and creating harmonious environments. They have a natural talent for organizing and coordinating events, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone’s needs are met. They’re highly attuned to the emotions of those around them and are skilled at providing emotional support to those in need. They value tradition and enjoy creating a sense of community and belonging, making them great team players in a variety of settings.
ENFJ (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging): ENFJs are warm and empathetic individuals who deeply care about the well-being of others. They are highly attuned to the emotions and needs of those around them, and have a natural talent for inspiring and motivating people to work towards a common goal. They often have a strong sense of idealism and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. ENFJs are skilled communicators and are often sought out for their guidance and support. They excel in leadership roles where they can use their strategic thinking and intuitive understanding of others to create a positive and productive work environment.
ENTJ (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging): ENTJs are determined and goal-oriented individuals who are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves and their surroundings. They are strategic thinkers who enjoy analyzing complex problems and coming up with effective solutions. They are not afraid to take risks and make difficult decisions in pursuit of their goals. They have high standards for themselves and others, and are often natural leaders who inspire and motivate those around them. They value efficiency, productivity, and achievement, and are often driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact on the world.
ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving): ESTPs are practical, resourceful, and highly adaptable people who enjoy taking risks and living in the moment. They are often energetic and thrive on action, preferring to think on their feet and make decisions quickly. They are skilled at troubleshooting and solving problems in a practical, hands-on way, and enjoy taking things apart to understand how they work. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and their tendency to take risks can make them natural entrepreneurs or performers, but they also excel in careers that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and a hands-on approach.
ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving): ESFPs are fun-loving and free-spirited individuals who have a great appreciation for life’s pleasures. They are highly attuned to their senses and enjoy experiencing the world through sight, sound, and touch. They have a warm and infectious energy that makes them highly sociable and fun to be around. ESFPs are highly spontaneous and adaptable, making them great at thinking on their feet and making quick decisions. They often excel in roles that require creativity, such as performing arts, but can also do well in other fields that require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
ENFP (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving): ENFPs are curious and imaginative individuals who are passionate about exploring the world and connecting with others. They are enthusiastic and open-minded, often bursting with ideas and possibilities. They are highly empathetic and enjoy helping others and making a positive impact. ENFPs are naturally creative and innovative, and often excel in roles that allow them to express their ideas and work with others towards a common goal. They value their relationships and seek to create meaningful connections with those around them.
ENTP (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving): ENTPs are innovative and intellectual individuals who enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts. They have a natural talent for problem-solving and enjoy analyzing complex systems to find creative solutions. ENTPs are often curious and enjoy debating and challenging conventional thinking. They can be seen as quick-witted and are able to see connections and patterns that others may overlook. ENTPs often excel in careers that require creativity, analytical thinking, and the ability to adapt to change.
Understanding your personality type can be helpful in building stronger personal relationships. By gaining insights into the preferences and communication styles of others, individuals can learn to appreciate and respect differences and communicate more effectively. This can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships, as conflicts can be resolved with greater empathy and understanding. Additionally, it can help individuals navigate their professional lives by identifying their strengths and weaknesses, as well as finding career paths that align with their personality type.
The assessment is not just for personal growth, but also for improving personal relationships. By gaining insights into the preferences and communication styles of others, individuals can better understand and appreciate the differences between themselves and their loved ones. This understanding can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships by learning to communicate effectively and navigate conflicts with greater empathy and understanding.
Alex Myles
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