What is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Katherine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers (1897-1979) developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The instrument classifies individuals on four dimensions, the first three being identical to Jung’s theory. Jung postulated that everyone has a basic attitude to the world, which indicates the directions in which energies or interests flow: (a) to the outer world of people and events (extroversion, E) or (b) to the inner world of ideas (introversion, I) Either type processes information through the senses (S) or by intuition (N) and makes decisions on the basis of this information either by logical, impersonal analysis (thinking, T) or on the basis of personal, subjective values (feeling, F). Through sensation (S) we establish what is present, with its meaning determined through thinking (T). Feeling (F) tells us its value, with possibilities delineated by intuition (N). The fourth dimension added by Myers and Briggs is called judgment (J) and perception (P). Judging (J) types prefer to seek system, order, organization, and tend to be dependable, responsible, and decisive. Perceptive (P) types tend to be more receptive and curious about their environment and events. Some people like to gather more and more information and adapt to situations as they arise (P), while others prefer to lead a more structured, ordered existence, making lists, and trying to control events (J). Factor analysis, and further empirical validation, has supported sixteen possible results for combining the outcomes of the four dimensions (EI, SN, TF, and JP).

A psychological instrument that determines preferences in normal thinking processes. Provides a self-assessment that indicate constructive strategies for personal development.