MBTI: the test of the 16 personalities

Personality is a theme that has always fascinated those who want to get to know each other better and understand their ways of relationship with the world. Over the years, several tools have been developed to explore the characteristics of the different personalitiesincluding theMyers Briggs indicator of personality (MBTI). This test offers a classification in 16 Personality And it is often used as a starting point to reflect on oneself, on one’s preferences and potential.

In this article we will explore what is the MBTI testhow reliable it is, as it takes place, what are the 16 types of personality identified and how to interpret the results. Finally, we will see how this tool can fit into a path of personal growth and psychological well -being.

What is personality?

Before going into us in Test of the 16 personalitiesis it useful to take a step back and ask ourselves: what do we mean exactly with “personality”? According to the Definition of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders), the personality traits are:

“The personality traits are constant patterns of perceiving, relating and thinking about the environment and themselves, which are manifested in a broad spectrum of social and personal contexts”.

In simpler words, the personality is thatset of ways of thinking and acting which, despite being influenced by the context and experiences, makes each person peculiar It is unique. It is our characteristic way of being in the world.

THE’Myers Briggs indicator It fits into this field with the aim of mapping these differences. The Meaning of MBTI it is in fact Myers-Briggs Type Indicatorand according to this model the different ways of being can be traced back to Sixteen types main, each with its specific inclinations.

The test roots: Jung’s influence

To fully understand the MBTI testit is important to know its origins. The tool It is based on the theories of Carl Gustav Jungone of the most influential figures of psychology. Jung, in his work, did not aim to label people, but to understand theexistence of different psychological typesthat is, different ways and equally valid to approach life. He identified four psychic functions fundamental that we all use, but with different preferences:

• thought
• feeling
• intuition
• sensation

In his essay Psychological typesJung further deepens this vision:

“All these types they divide into rational and irrational. They belong to the former the type of thought and the sentimental one; to the second the sensory type and the intuitive type. Finally, libido preferences allow you to distinguish Introverts and extroverted. All fundamental types can belong to both classes, according to that introversion or extroversion domains. ”

The original Jungian theory therefore emerged 8 different types of character and personalitywho constituted the foundations on which Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Myers Briggs then built their indicator.

The MBTI personality test

The eight dominant functions, with which to trace the different types of personality, are the basis for the development of the Myers Briggs test. The researchers developed theMbti test During the Second World Warwith a double goal:

• scientific: make the theory of Jung’s psychological types more understandable and accessible;
• practical: allow women to replace men at the front, identifying with the test of the 16 personalities what the most suitable work was to each of them.

The analysis of the cognitive functions of the ambient test adds to the Jungian categories an interpretative method of evaluation based on the clarification of the dominant and auxiliary function of each type, adding a further function, the “Shadow function”.

Each person will have a main function that will emerge in their behavior. If, for example, the dominant function will be that of perception (intuition or sensation), the individual will be characterized by a particular apthabal attitude. Conversely, if the function of judgment (thought or feeling) predominates it will be the logic to prevail.

The 16 types of personality according to the Myers-Briggs model

Starting from the Jungian bases, the Myers-Briggs indicator has expanded the classification, outlining What are the 16 personalities. It is important to see them not as rigid labels, but as archetypes that describe preferences and inclinations. While you read, you may recognize some aspects of you. Here is a brief description of each type:

1. Istj (The Logist): Tranquility, seriousness, reliability and concreteness. In the ISTJ type the logical and rational aspect prevails.
2. ISFJ (the defender): scrupulousness, precision, loyalty. The ISFJ type seeks harmony and undertakes to complete its duties.
3. Infj (the lawyer): perspicacity and intuition, an infj personality has firm values ​​on which it counts and a good attitude to the organization.
4. Intj (the architect): skepticism and independence, high performance standards: an intj focuses on the development of long -term perspectives with determination and has a strong sense of self -efficacy.
5. ISTP (the virtuoso): great observer and pragmatic in finding solutions to problems. The ISTP type organizes facts using logic and pragmatism and has good self -esteem.
6. ISFP (the adventurer): The ISFP type has a good sensitivity and loves to manage its spaces independently. Instead, he does not like conflicts and tends to not impose his opinions.
7. Infp (the mediator): an Infp personality is idealist, but concrete in the realization of ideas. Requires respect for the values ​​to which it is faithful.
8. Intp (logic): great ability of concentration and analytical thought, those who are part of this type of personality prefers the logical and theoretical explanations to the emotional ones.
9. Estp (the entrepreneur): Strong of flexibility and tolerance, the Estp prefers to have immediate results and acts focusing on the “here and now”, bored by conceptual explanations.
10. ESFP (the entertainer): the ESFP personality It is exuberant, extroverted and capable of adapting to new situations with ease. With this type we enter a decidedly less focused sphere on logic.
11. ENFP (the activist): The ENFP type is welcoming and flexible, with a good improvisation capacity. Life, for this type of personality, is always full of possibilities.
12. ENTP (Debunker): frankness, strategic skills and always looking for novelty, the ENTP type has a good intuition with other people and is easily bored with routine.
13. Estj (the director): makes decisions quickly and is efficient and concrete. It has a good predisposition to logical thought and stimulates those around them to achieve the objectives.
14. ESFJ (the console): harmony in the surrounding environment is for this type of personality a profound need. Loyalty, friendliness and good emotional intelligence are its main characteristics.
15. Enfj (the protagonist): characterized by empathy and loyalty, together with the great sensitivity, this type of personality is of a sociable person, capable of stimulating the self -empowerment in all and having good leadership skills.
16. Entj (the commander): long -term planning and the determination to always know new things make the ENTJ type a perfect facilitator e problem solver.

Is the MBTI test reliable? An important question

One of the most common questions about this tool is precisely on its validity. It is a lawful question, especially in an era in which we are submerged by tests of all kinds. The answer requires an important distinction: the MBTI tests are reliable if used for the purpose for which it was created.

This tool It was not free of criticism by the scientific community, especially if considered as a clinical psychological test. However, From a psychometric point of view it is considered valid and reliable for his original goal, as also highlighted by a 2017 study in the magazine Practices in Health Professiones Diversity.

The key point is that the MBTI It is not a diagnostic or evaluation tool. It does not serve to diagnose pathologies nor to judge a person’s ability. Its value lies in being a descriptive tool, widely used both in the commercial and working sphere (for example in Team Building), to help people become aware of their preferences and enhance their strengths.

What to do with your result?

After answering the questions, you could find yourself with a four letters in your hands. But what does it really represent? The result of Test of the 16 personalities It offers a picture, a snapshot of some of your prevalent inclinations. Highlight the percentages that can orient you on what are your most salient characteristics based on the model.

However, it is essential to approach this result with balance. Remember that subjectivity remains a fundamental element: You are not your four letters. The results of the MBTI test They are not a definitive sentence, but rather a mirror that reflects some of your trends. Consider it a starting point, an invitation to explore more thoroughly who you are, how you relationships with others and what your prevalent style is (which can be more assertive, passive or aggressive).

The need to reflect: why are we looking for our type?

Once their type of personality has been discovered, many people have fun looking for which Famous and fantasy people they share it. This phenomenon, widespread online through sites such as the Personality Databaseit’s not just a curiosity popbut responds to a deep human need: that of feeling understood and finding a sense of belonging.

Seeing your characteristics reflected in a character that we admire or in a historical figure can be a validating experience. It makes us feel less alone in our oddities and offers us models of inspiration, showing us how our own inclinations can translate into great results or compelling stories.

Beyond the test: a path of personal knowledge

Tools like the MBTI test may be a good starting point in the study of types of personality, a spark that turns on curiosity towards our inner world. However, the true self -understanding goes beyond a four -letter acronym. The categories, however useful, can be reductive if the infinite shades that make each person are not considered.

If the test result has aroused questions in you or the desire to explore who you are more deeply, one psychological therapy It can be the next step. A path with a professional will not give you labels, but it will help you to deepen the knowledge of you, to give a name to what you feel and accept yourself with greater awareness. The Unabravo online platform was created to offer this support, through psychologists and psychotherapistsmaking a safe space available to start your personal growth trip.