This article will surround the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test. Starting with an explanation of the format in which the types are organised and then information on the traits of the 16 personality types.
The Myers-Briggs Personality Types
There are 16 personality types within the Myers-Briggs, each consisting of four (technically five) subgroup traits.
They are as follows – Extraverted/Introverted, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving, and as an add-on to each type, there is Assertive/Turbulent.
When you receive your personality type, it will be presented as a four-letter word, with each letter referring to the traits above. Plus, the assessment of if your type is presented as Assertive/Turbulent.
All the traits are present on a scale, and although you may have been characterised more, leaning toward one does not mean you do not share characteristics of the opposite. The test will explain it to you, and you’ll receive an in-depth analysis of your traits.
The Meaning of The Traits
Extraverted (E) vs Introverted (I) traits
This trait refers to how you feel most comfortable or energised.
Extraverted-leaning people tend to prefer the outer world of people – wanting to experience things to understand and often will be active socially as they gain energy from being around others.
In contrast, Introverted-leaning people are the opposite of this, preferring to look inward and spend time alone to gain energy. That is not to say introverts do not enjoy social interaction, but it does mean they will need time to get back the energy they use.
Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N) traits
This trait relates to how you process information.
Sensing-leaning individuals will live in the moment and appreciate the facts of what they can retrieve from their five senses. And so, these people are realistic and observant, and very practical. Additionally, they enjoy working at a steady pace and are very patient with a good eye for detail.
In contrast, Intuitive-leaning individuals enjoy finding a deeper meaning in things and can see patterns and possibilities. Also, they are very imaginative, prefer to see the whole picture, and are impatient with routine.
Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F) traits
This trait relates to how you make decisions.
Thinkers are analytical, logical, critical, clear, and consistent and may be sceptical. On the other hand, feelers are sympathetic, warm and in tune with how others feel; they enjoy pleasing others and strive for harmony. They have clear and consistent values and make decisions based on their values and principles.
To put it simply, Thinkers use their heads and logic, while in contrast, Feelers will use their hearts and will have empathy towards others and can consider extenuating circumstances.
That being said, Thinkers can make decisions and have emotions involved, just as Feelers can assess the facts.
Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P) traits
This trait relates to how a person organises the stimuli and objects of their reality.
Judgers tend to be decisive, organised and systematic in how they approach getting things done. They will take charge of their environment, often creating to-do lists and planning for the future to ensure long and short-term goals are met.
In addition, they are self-disciplined and determined, preferring to have everything decided and settled. They will struggle or stress with any open-ended plans.
In opposition, Perceivers are curious, flexible and spontaneous. They find structured plans limiting and tend only to make decisions when necessary. Relaxed and adaptable, Perceivers will leave things open and pull things together at the last minute.
Assertive (A) vs Turbulent (T) traits
Lastly, this trait relates to the identity of the personality type.
Assertive personality types are self-confident, calm and resilient to stress. They know what they want and do not stress over it, rarely worrying over their past actions or decisions.
In contrast, Turbulent personality types are driven by stress and strive to improve, be perfect and successful, all in an attempt to counteract their self-doubts. As they are perfectionists, they often notice the little things and get caught up in criticisms and regrets.
The Next Steps…
Now you know all about the traits, you can take the Myers-Briggs type indicator personality test here. Read more about Myers-Briggs and the history of personality tests here. The next articles will be on an overview of personality types and on the types in real life.
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