In 16 Personality types by Myers Briggs, we divide a personality into four layers with two sub-classes. It results in 16 types.
Have you come across letters on the internet, like INFP, INFJ, or ENFP? It makes you wonder what they are, does it not? You need not search more. These are the personality types, 16 personality types by Myers Briggs. The following article will explain them.
The 16 Personality types by Myers Briggs are pseudoscience. Two authors, a mother, and a daughter created this self-assessment report. The mother was Katherine Briggs, and the daughter was Isabelle Myers. They based their personality types on Carl Jung’s psychological theory. The research suggested that they could divide a personality into four layers. Each layer of personality type had two partitions. Everyone can be dominant in one of the two at a time. This combination produced the 16 personality types by Myers Briggs.
What do the Myers-Briggs letters mean?
The coding of the personality types feels like a confusing puzzle. So what do these codes like ENFP, INFJ, etc. mean? Four criteria called “dichotomies classify a personality. Let us get right into how these codes form 16 personality types. I will start by describing the dichotomies. After that, I will describe the personas. We will also look into the science of 16 personality types by Myers Briggs.
a- Extravert (E) or Introvert (I)
The first layer of a personality is the extrovert-introvert split. Carl Jung wrote about it in his “Theory of personality types.” It is important to note that in personality types by Myers Briggs, you are not one of two things. You can be both at different times and in different situations. Yet, one of the traits is more dominant. You may have a different idea about how this affects your personality. But, everyone turns to something to recharge, and this function is a measure of that.
Extroverts turn to social things to keep themselves motivated. Also, periods of inactivity could lower energy levels. Extroverts may work alone, yet turn to social life for a break. But, introverts draw their life from periods of thought and self-assessment. To sum up, being alone encourages introverts, and social life excites Extroverts. Even so, this does not mean they cannot do both. This split is the source of the first Myers-Briggs letter in the 16 personality types.
b- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
The second division refers to your information-gathering method. In other words, it defines the information that you are more likely to pick up. Sensing personality types are likely to look for facts. They gather information with their five physical senses. Moreover, they prefer reality-based things. But, Intuitive personalities like patterns and abstract ideas. The deep meaning hidden in the background inspires them. That is to say, they like following graphic designs.
A painter drawing real-life portraits is an excellent example of “sensing”. An abstract artist is a person who uses gut feelings.
c- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
T or F is the “perceiving” or “judging” function and is the way you make your decisions. In other words, “T”s follow their brains while the “F”s follow their hearts. Thinking types look at cold and calculated logic while making decisions. They believe in ‘black or white terms and may even appear distant or aloof while deciding.
But, feeling types use their moral compass and a set of internal values instead. They take feelings and relations into account while deciding. And they think issues are more complex than simple black or white.
d- Judging (J) Perceiving (P)
The last division is a measure of how you deal with daily matters. Your interaction with the outside world determines this function. Judging personality types are well organized. They prefer having detailed plans. Also, they hate last-minute changes.
If you are a perceiving personality type, you are more flexible. You adapt to any hurried changes and prefer waiting for new information as long as possible. You enjoy spontaneity and plans seem boring to you.
Now you may be asking yourselves,
What are 16 Personalities?
They are a combination of these divisions. Four dichotomies make 16 personality types by Myers Briggs. Also divided into four sets of 4 personality types. I will describe each of them.
1- The Analysts
This set of 4 personality types shares the “Thinking” trait. They are sensible people who follow their brains.
a- INTJ Personality Type – The Mastermind:-
“The Architect” and “The Mastermind” are two names for this personality type. Their planning abilities make them stand out. Not only are they brilliant planners, they always have a way out of everything. They come across as bookworms but are likely to own this label. Gaining knowledge and sharing it with others is exciting for them.
b- INTP Personality Type – The Logician:-
These personality types are the ‘Logicians’. Having a never-ending thirst for knowledge is their strong point. They are usually inventors and take pride in their creativity. Sometimes they might come off as unaware but make no mistake; they are thinking. They seem confusing at times, but that is only because their speech is slower than their minds.
c- ENTJ Personality Type – The Commander:-
All traits of “The Commander” personality type are the same as “The Architect”. Commanders are also planners and knowledge seekers. The only difference is extraversion. In the ENTJ form, extraversion transforms the quiet thinker into an outspoken leader. Not only are they strong-willed, they like making their way instead of finding them.
d- ENTP Personality Type – The Debater:-
“The Debater” is the name of this personality type. These people are curious, and smart, and they love to face challenges. They like academic debates and often take part in them. Also, they love showing off their quick wit and grip over topics. Sometimes they argue to test the opponents.
2- The Diplomats
The 2nd out of the sets of 4 Personality types are the Diplomats. As the name indicates, these personality types are great at dialogues and counseling. Diplomats are caring and encourage harmony. They share the “feeling” trait.
a- INFJ Personality Type – The Advocate:-
“The Advocates” have a high sense of morality and visionary ideas. When they believe in something, they fight for it. They will take concrete steps towards their ideals. But, they rarely do all that for themselves. They believe in fighting other people’s battles if they have to.
b- INFP Personality Type – The Moderators:-
They are known as “The Moderators”. INFP personality types are selfless and kind-hearted. A personal sense of justice guides Moderators, like all diplomats. They always look for the best in people, even when people give them very little reason for it. Rewards or prizes are nothing to them. In short, they are kind and always on the giving end of things.
c- ENFJ Personality Type – The Protagonist:-
What happens when you give the personality traits of an “Advocate” to an Extravert? When a good carer is social, he transforms into “The Protagonist”. Protagonists are magnetic and natural leaders who inspire. Their energy becomes an attraction for people. Moreover, protagonists take pride in their ability to guide others. They always use this ability for the greater good.
d- ENFP Personality Type – The Campaigners:-
ENFP personality types are “Campaigners” because of their wandering spirit. They can make their presence felt at any place and are usually the center of attention. “Intuition” trait allows them a rare peek between the lines. This insight helps them read the deeper meaning of any situation, Analysts. Yet, the “Feeling” function shows them these meanings in a compassionate way.
3- The Sentinels
The sentinels are traditional, realistic, and grounded. They are very competent and value things like order, security, and stability. Being practical, they have a reputation as the cornerstones of organizations. Even their family setups regard their opinion.
a- ISTJ Personality Type – The Logistician:-
Out of 16 Personality types by Myers Briggs, they are one of the most abundant. You can define them by attributes like duty, law, and order. They are vital foundations to families and many other guiding organizations. They do not like making assumptions and guesses. ISTJs prefer analyzing facts and then deciding on a plan. Logisticians are people of their word and want others to know that. They would do anything to ensure that people hold their words in high esteem.
b- ISFJ Personality Type – The Defender:-
ISFJs stand out the most of the 16 Personality types. A unique mix of traits causes it. At first glance, their characteristics seem opposite to each other. You might be thinking about how that is possible. Keep in mind, that the dichotomies only tell which traits are ruling your personality. It is not a complete split, which is what makes even two people with the same personality types so different.
They are sensitive, yet, have powerful analytical abilities. They are introverts but have excellent social skills. Although they are traditional, they welcome change. Defenders have the best social skills among the “Introverts.” Also, they are caring and warm people.
c- ESTJ Personality Type – The Executive:-
“The Executive” personality types live up to their name. They can manage anything and anyone. A strong sense of duty makes them the best leaders. They use their traditional sense to follow the right management style. Also, people often regard them as mediators.
d- ESFJ Personality Type – The Consul:-
Consuls are caring and accessible. They like being in the spotlight and supporting their teams. You will see them, organize social events, and interact with their friends. They love chats, but not if they are academic. They like to talk about fashion, social status, etc.
4- The Explorers
The final set of 4 personality types is the explorers. Explorers are impulsive and rely only on themselves. They are adaptable and like handling difficult situations. Unexpected trouble is their time to shine. In other words, explorers accept challenges, even if they are not prepared for them. The 4 Personality types falling in this category are,
a- ISTP Personality Type – The Virtuoso:-
Virtuosos love a more hands-on approach. They like experimenting with their hands and seeing with their eyes. In short, they are practical and hate theoretical approaches. This particular trait makes them good with mechanical tools. Thus, they have earned the title of ‘Virtuoso’. You will find such people working as engineers and mechanics. To put it another way, they have fun stripping machines down and putting them back together.
b- ISFP Personality Type – The Adventurer:-
People with this personality type are artistic and creative. Even so, this does not mean that they are always painters. Generally speaking, they do have all the qualities to be one. Yet, they use their creativity in daily matters. Too many responsibilities do not sit well with adventurers. They like to be tetherless and follow their dreams. To sum it up, they are free spirits and do not like to be bound.
c- ESTP Personality Type – The Entrepreneur:-
When extraversion replaces a virtuoso’s shyness, a confident “Entrepreneur” is born. They enjoy the spotlight and often gain it through their quick wit. Immediate surroundings always feel their effects. Entrepreneurs are natural risk-takers. Instead of justifying their ideas, they like to take action. In short, the theory does not hold their attention for long.
d- ESFP Personality Type – The Entertainer:-
Entertainers are very energetic and lively people. They are dynamic and want people around them to feel likewise. To complement that, they spend a great deal of their energy on others. Entertainers are fun-loving and they will never bore you. They also have the best aesthetic sense in all the 16 personalities by Myers Briggs. Entertainers make it fun to be with them.
I explained the basic traits of 16 personalities by Myers Briggs. Also, you might be wondering,
Is Myers Briggs Scientifically Valid?
16 personalities by Myers Briggs are pseudoscience. The main difference separating it from science is the absence of empirical data. As psychology was not part of empirical sciences at the time.
But, now this question applies to two different things. The first one is the theory of 16 personalities by Myers Briggs, answered in the paragraph above. A test made based on this theory is the second thing it affects. The validity of the test is a separate matter altogether. It is a different mathematical topic. Still, it depends upon the consistency values of the test results. For instance, how similar are the outcomes if the same person takes the test twice?
Myers Briggs Personality Types Test
The test itself is a questionnaire comprising around 96-128. It is known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI in short. You have to choose a certain level of agreement or disagreement that you have with the statement.
The questions are based on the Myers-Briggs dichotomies and calculate your affinity for a particular trait. It grades your overall personality in a strict four-letter code. Also, it tells you the percentage affinity that you showed. E.g.
E – 64% E, 36% I
S – 72% S, 28% N
F – 59% F, 41% T
P – 67%p, 33% J
You can take the test on this link.
There are many variations of the Myers-Briggs personality types test available online and I don’t claim that this is the most accurate. It is, however, the top-rated version. Some of the common questions regarding MBTI are
What Is The Rarest Personality Type?
INFJ is the rarest personality type based on results. There are only 1.5% advocate personality types. It is important to note that it is not 1.5% of the world population. It means 1.5% of the people who took the test. Also, ENTJ (The Commander) is the 2nd rarest personality type.
What is the Most Common?
Likewise, ISFJ is the most common personality type. 13.8% of the people taking the test are the ‘defender’ personality type.
What is the Smartest?
The Logicians (INTP) are the smartest out of 16 personalities by Myers Briggs. As told before, they are the knowledge seekers and inventors. The test is unlike any other. It does not classify personalities in good or bad terms. Each personality type has its pros and cons. The test identifies your kind to help you realize what you do best. In other words, it reveals how you could make the best use of your abilities
