A Breakdown of the Myers-Briggs Type Instrument (MBTI)

Have you ever been interested to find out why each one of us acts in their own unique way? There are a lot of aspects that define who we are. Aside from the culture surrounding us or the way our parents raise us, we all have certain aspects of our personality we were already born with.

Humans have forever been interested in categorizing personalities. Numerous research has already been done on the subject—the most famous system being the MBTI or the Myers-Briggs Type Instrument. It's a very fascinating topic once you start reading in it and find out where you fit in. Believe me, it's a life changer! Here's what you need to know.

What Is Personality Typing?
Personality Typing can be described as a structure that divides people into respective groups according to their pattern of thinking or behavior and how they are likely to act in certain situations. Typing helps define a clear system that highlights different kinds of people according to their specific personality traits.

Who Invented the MBTI?
This iconic personality categorization was created by Isabel Briggs Myers along with her mother, Katharine Briggs, back in the 1960s. Their work is based on the original framework that was first proposed by psychologist Carl Jung. 

A Personality’s Key Aspects
The mother-daughter duo suggested 4 main dimensions to anyone’s personality that can be used to separate people into defined groups. Their work concluded that there are 16 personality types based on the following:

Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
Extroverts enjoy the energy and stimulation that comes from being around people and being outside in general. They have a natural talent for socializing and tend to know how to express their emotions and feelings.

Introverts gain their energy from spending quiet time alone or among a small group they are comfortable with. They can feel drained or emotionally exhausted if they spend too much time in loud areas with too many people. They appear more reserved and have difficulty expressing their emotions. And that's why your friend can spend every single day outside, while you just crave for a weekend at home with a good book!

Sensing (S) vs. INtuition (N)
Sensors depend highly on their 5 senses and what they can see. They can be described as “practical” beings as they look for the facts and what they know from experience to reach solutions.

Intuitives have the ability to consider the bigger picture; they tend to enjoy the possibilities. They come up with creative ways to reach a solution. It's that gut feeling you get sometimes and just know that it's right!

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
Thinkers are more on the logical side of things. They analyze the facts in order to reach a decision. They are individuals who would prefer telling the absolute truth over being considerate or polished. They act with their minds.

Feelers are more compassionate beings. Personal values are what drives them to make a decision. They act with their hearts and consider how everything they do affects those around them.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
Judgers enjoy an ordered life with no surprises. They prefer things to be under control and structured. It's not a good idea to change plans with them at the very last minute!

Perceivers often go with the flow. They tend to be more casual in their life and prefer a more loose approach so that they can change their minds any time they want.

Every two opposing traits form what Myers and Briggs referred to as a dichotomy—one person can only have one or the other within each dimension. A combination of their chosen trait within the four dimensions creates their personality type. 

Each personality type will be explored in my upcoming posts!

Do you know your personality type yet? You can try this free online test now.

By: Amal Ghali