All About the Different Personality Types

Medically reviewed by Aleesha Grier, PsyD

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reporting tool that categorizes every person into one of 16 different personality types. Each personality type is assigned a four-letter acronym based on four “scales” of opposing traits. These include extroversion and introversion; sensing and intuition; thinking and feeling; and judging and perceiving.

Inspired by the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, American mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers developed the MBTI during World War II in an effort to improve working relationships between healthcare providers. Today, the questionnaire is sometimes used as an assessment tool in workplace settings, academia, and psychology. 

MBTI Scales of Personality

Each MBTI personality type is determined by four scales of personality. These “scales” refer to opposite sets of traits that describe how we navigate the world, make decisions, and relate to others. Each of these traits is assigned a letter, as follows:

• Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

• Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

• Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

• Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

These letters comprise the four-letter acronyms associated with each personality type. For example, an introverted person who relies more heavily on their intuition would have an MBTI personality type that starts with IN-. If that person leans more towards thinking than feeling and judging than perceiving, their MBTI type would be INTJ.

While most of us will fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum for each of these traits, the MBTI assessment tests which of each is dominant. For example, hardly anyone is always extroverted or always introverted. However, most people lean at least slightly to one side or the other.

Extroversion vs. Introversion

The extroversion-introversion scale measures where people place their focus and what energizes them. Extroverts are more focused on extrinsic (outward) rewards and the external world of people, places, and things. Meanwhile, introverts tend to be more contemplative and enjoy solitude.

Sensing vs. Intuition

The sensing-intuition scale refers to how people like to view and understand information. "Sensing" people focus more on gathering information from the concrete, material world—the input they get through their five senses.

People who rely more on their intuition focus on drawing meaning from the bigger picture. They notice patterns and connections and take in information from symbols and relationships.

Thinking vs. Feeling

The thinking-feeling scale measures how people make decisions. Within the MBTI, “thinkers” tend to make decisions based on hard evidence and logic. By contrast, “feelers” think more holistically about how their decisions reflect their values and affect others.

Judging vs. Perceiving

The judging-perceiving scale refers to how people like to relate to the world around them. People on the perceiving end of the spectrum tend to be more flexible and spontaneous, often preferring to live in the moment. People who are closer to the judging side of the scale prefer more structure, routine, predictability, and order.

Myers Briggs Personality Types

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator classifies each person into one of the following 16 personality types:

ISTJ: ISTJs are responsible, logical, and methodical planners who prefer to follow structured routines and uphold traditions. Sometimes called “the inspector,” this personality type is especially common among physicians.

ISFJ: Also known as “the protector” or “the defender,” ISFJ is the most common MBTI personality type. Organized, socially responsible, and focused on home and family, ISFJ types tend to be reserved and respectful of authority.

INFJ: INFJ, or “the advocate,” is the least common MBTI personality type, making up less than 2% of the population. INFJs are idealistic, creative, and sensitive, yet they tend to balance their emotions with logical analysis.

INTJ: INTJs, or “architects,” are logical, creative thinkers with a knack for inventing new ways of interpreting and analyzing the world. Like INFJ, this type is rare.

ISFP: ISFPs, also known as “adventurers,” are calm, friendly, and loyal. Often lovers of nature and the arts, people with this personality type are practical, preferring to live in the moment and focus on hands-on tasks.

ISTP: Also called “craftsmen” or “virtuosos,” ISTPs are independent, goal-oriented problem-solvers who love to learn new things.

INTP: INTPs are deeply analytical thinkers who embrace abstract ideas. These “logicians” prefer to work alone and often enjoy in-depth independent research.

INFP: INFPs, sometimes called “mediators,” tend to dream big and care deeply about others. Typically highly compassionate, they are often motivated by ethical ideals.

ENFP: Also called “activists” or “champions,” ENFPs are warm, friendly, energetic, and spontaneous. They often know how to bring people together towards a common goal and vision.

ESFP: ESFPs, or “performers,” are highly social and optimistic. These fun-loving types often entertain others with humor and storytelling.

ESTP: ESTP types, also called “entrepreneurs,” are outgoing and charismatic. They tend to take leadership roles and make bold decisions.

ENTP: Also known as “innovators,” ENTPs are spirited debaters and conversationalists. They tend to be curious, resourceful, and quick on their feet.

ESFJ: An ESFJ type, or “caretaker,” will go to any length to help and care for others. Often drawn to careers like teaching and nursing, ESFJs are orderly and outgoing.

ESTJ: The ESTJ, or “director,” is a natural leader. Hard-working and assertive, ESTJs gravitate towards positions of authority.

ENTJ: ENTJs, or “commanders,” are influential, adventurous decision-makers who can often be found in leadership roles.

ENFJ: ENFJ types, also known as “teachers” or “sages,” often enjoy caring for and inspiring others through wise, selfless mentorship.

What Is Your Personality Type?

To find out your MBTI type, you’ll need to fill out the MBTI questionnaire. Typically, this takes around 30 minutes.

The MBTI assessment consists of a series of multiple-choice questions (each with two possible answers) about your typical behavior, emotions, and approach to life. For example, you may be asked if you prefer to work flexibly or on strict deadlines, or if you tend to be more spontaneous or methodical.

You can fill out the MBTI assessment either online at MBTIonline.com or in person through the Myers & Briggs Foundation.

How Reliable Is MBTI?

The MBTI is not meant to be used as an indicator of a mental health condition. Evidence about its reliability and validity as a clinical assessment tool is limited.

However, some research suggests MBTI results can be valuable in certain settings—particularly within healthcare and the workplace. For example, understanding a patient’s personality may help a healthcare provider communicate with them more clearly and develop greater empathy for their perspective.

Meanwhile, a healthcare provider understanding their own MBTI “type” can help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses in order to work with both patients and other providers more effectively.

MBTI results are also used by some hiring managers, employers, organizational psychologists, recruiters, and career coaches. Knowing your MBTI type may help you to identify occupations that could be a good “fit” for you. It may also help colleagues collaborate and communicate with each other in more effective ways.

Certain MBTI types tend to be drawn to particular professions. For example, one study found neurosurgeons were most likely to be INTJs, followed by ENTJs. Another study found ENTP was the most common Myers-Briggs personality type among ophthalmology (eye health) residents.

Other Personality Scales and Assessments

In addition to the MBTI, some of the most common personality assessments available include:

• Big Five Personality Test: The Big Five Personality Test assesses personality type based on individual differences in five main traits, or dimensions: extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): First introduced in 1940, the MMPI is a self-report inventory used widely by psychologists to assess personality and the likelihood of various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

• 16 Personality Factors (16PF) Test: The Sixteen Personality Factors (16PF) Questionnaire was developed by psychologist Raymond B. Cattell across several decades, starting in the 1940s. Some of the 16 personality factors, or traits, tested include dominance, self-reliance, warmth, sensitivity, and rule-consciousness.
  

A Quick Review

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator isn’t a diagnostic tool for a health condition. Still, finding out your MBTI type may give you greater insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.

Knowing your personality type can also help you understand your own motivations as well as those of the people around you. Some people like to complete an MBTI assessment with someone close to them—such as a significant other, business partner, or colleague—to find out how they can communicate more effectively with one another.

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